USA Travel Magazine

If you are in a crisis, and need assistance get help now – people who care are there waiting for your call at the National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or text “Talk” to 741741. There is also help available via the Veterans and Military Crisis Line or by dialing 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 or Text 838255 for our service men and women and verterans. 

What does suicide have to do with travel – well – our publication is about more than just planing a road trip. It is about you, the traveler, and the people you meet in the communities you visit who check you into your hotel or serve you coffee. And, if we can help you or someone you care about in some way with this information, then that is what matters. 

Standing On A Perch 

When it does comes to traveling, you never know what to expect. What we didn’t expect to find was a man standing out on a perch outside the Circle Center Mall early on a Saturday morning in Indianapolis. We were thankful the emergency service reacted in Indianapolis and were talking to him. I would not have imagined seeing such a encounter so close to home, yet there he was – a man threatening to jump. It reminded me of the movie, Man On A Ledge. A complete scene with the crowd of people watching and police trying to talk him down. All it takes in a crisis is a texting “Talk” to 741741, and someone can be there to direct help your way. It’s something we want everyone to know – help is out there for you – just ask! 

Reach Out And Take Someone’s Hand 

As we drove past, we could see someone there talking to the man. And, at some point – with hope, they would reach out, and take his hand to draw him in to safety, and get him they help he needed. Sometimes all it take’s is reaching out and taking someone’s hand to provide comfort in a crisis. Or, someone on the other end of the chat line or phone call to let someone know there are services available to provide assistance. 

Suicide Touches Every Community 

Suicide has touched our lives through our children as well, which we found out recently as we were taking a road trip on my birthday. Our son, Josh mentioned his friend’s house was torn down, then he stated that he had hung himself. In fact, he knew of several of his friend’s from high school who had taken their lives. He didn’t know why – it just seemed many of them felt the need to do so. This was the case with ourr other two son’s as well, and our daighter-in-law, each knew friend’s who had taken their own lives. 

Finding Local Resources 

There are so many resources available to assist you in a crisis like depression. Whether you just feel sad, mad or just need to talk – people are out there right now to help, and here are some helpful resources: 

1. Call 911, Go to the EMERGENCY ROOM, Go to a Walk-In Clinic, or Any Fire Dept for Immediate help 

2. Go online to National Suicide Lifeline, or Veterans and Military Crisis Line, and they can help connect you to services in your area. 

3. Connect to the Department of Social Services in your area because they also have listings of local social services, mental health, food assistance, Social Security, plus other services available near you. Have friends or family help you. 

4. Area Churches offer social services, shelter, in addtion to mental health servies, and often have food pantries available. 

5. Get Social help if you have a strong Facebook following you can ask for help with giving out private information. 

Remembering Anthony Bourdain 

Just days after seeing the gentleman of the perch, we are watching Anthony Bourdain’s adventure’s in Cuba, which we enjoy because travel always opens the doors to new cultures. Tony was a straight shooter as he described the countries and places he visited. And, he let us tag along like a friend, and hang out around the table. And, as he described the food we could almost taste the great meal’s he presented wherever he happened to be in the world. Then, the end credits rolled, and just blew us away – he was gone. 

As CNN reported later, Bourdain was in France working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series, “Parts Unknown.” It was there that his close friend, Eric Ripert, the French chef, found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room. Anthony Bourdain was 61 and took his own life, which was the same week that designer, Kate Spade hung herself. Now, Anthony is gone, and all we can do is remember the many journey’s he shared with us, and send our blessings to his family and friends.

Find The Help You Or Someone Needs Now 

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in our country according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you have a crisis, or know someone in need of help don’t be afraid to call National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK or text “Talk” to 741741. They can help you find the resources you need in your area – whatever they may be. 

Call 911 in an emergency, and stay on the line. Help will arrive. The Veterans and Military Crisis Line is also available by dialing 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 or Text 838255 for our service men and women and verterans. Both lines have a chat available as well if you prefer to find help that way – just talk to someone.