These past weeks, in our beautiful and caring community, we have lost three of our “brothers,” three deaths that just might have been preventable.

I say this because the warning signs of suicide were there – they are always there. Unfortunately, too often, these signs are only seen in retrospect. So, how do we as “our brother’s and sister’s keeper” get out in front of this and see the warning signs? And then, what can we do that can make a difference?

What is required of us as caring human beings, is really quite simple, but not always easy in this day and age. It requires that we be present, that we be open and aware. Listen with your ears – and your heart. Look people in the eyes for they are truly the windows to the soul. Extend yourself and reach out. Show and share that you care. Openness and true vulnerability is essential to connecting with another. Releasing our fear, we are then empowered to be of true assistance to our brother, or sister in need, and a life may be saved.

Perhaps the traditional yardsticks for measuring happiness – a large bank account, a fancy car, a big house, fame and talent – isn’t accurate. Robin Williams had all that.

Instead, consider that the seeds of happiness are to be found within each of us. For these seeds to flourish and grow, they need to be nurtured frequently with generous doses of love and tenderness, shared first with ourselves, and then, with our brothers and sisters along with us, on this amazing journey.

Depression/mental illness is the challenge of our times. What better time to put in practice what many of us know to be true: We are our brother’s keeper.

Michael Ross, psychiatric RN

Durango