One of the realities of living in Northwest Colorado is that you will spend a good amount of time in a vehicle going to, and returning from, various trips and adventures. We’ve put on a bunch of miles this fall traveling to Gunnison to watch my youngest son play his senior year of football at Colorado Western University. Two of our sons (and their girlfriends) live and teach in Grand Junction so we often pick them up on the way down and spend some travel time discussing a myriad of issues.

There is no question that we all have different views and opinions about the lives we are living and the approach we should take to the many challenges that life throws our way. From the election to mental health struggles, there are a number of opinions shared freely in the confines of a vehicle.

Moffat County appears to be in the midst of a mental health crisis resulting in what some experts have told me is a suicide epidemic. I’ve talked to, read about and been contacted by, locals who work in the field and are struggling to figure out why this issue seems to be so problematic. As I discuss this problem with family members I am told that suicide is an issue where they live as well.

So, what’s the answer if we all agree on the problem? Help is available, resources are plentiful, people care, families are affected, but tragedies continue to happen and suicide continues no matter what we do locally, statewide or nationwide.

As we drove down the highway the younger people had a very interesting perspective which can be summed up as a combination of understanding the reality of chemical brain imbalances to personal responsibility. These tragedies are so unfortunate and we all agreed that our society is working overtime to make certain that people who are struggling with mental health issues have resources that can be activated.

I wish we had better answers but sometimes it seems that no matter what we do, people make decisions that leave us searching for reasons why and seldom do we find suitable answers. I’ve been in public education for 31 years and every time someone takes their life, or attempts to take their life, it makes you feel helpless and wondering what you might have done to recognize that something was going on so you could do something to help.

One thing is certain — the more we focus and ruminate on ourselves and our problems; the greater chance that we’re going to find a reason to be disappointed. But when we get outside ourselves, practice helping others, and get the focus off of ourselves; something happens to lift our spirits and make us feel better. Experts agree that practicing healthy habits like serving others, being thankful for what we do have, and taking the time to keep things in perspective goes a long way to helping support our mental well-being.

It’s Thanksgiving time! Please take care of yourself, find a way to help others, focus a little less on yourself, and really try to keep everything in perspective. We live in a pretty special place with many incredible people who care so much about our community.

Enjoy time together and please reach out if need be! People want to help you. You are not, nor ever, alone! Call the Colorado Suicide Crisis Hotline at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. Please remember that your life is valuable! Enjoy Thanksgiving and let’s all make a concerted effort to be aware of each other and practice consideration, kindness, and care this holiday season.

Lance Scranton is a career educator and has made his home in Moffat County for the past 26 years. He offers his views and opinions as part of the ongoing conversation about our community, country and world. Reach him at lance.scranton@consultant.com.