Shit. It’s been a weird week. Monday, I woke to news that a guy who had been my neighbor until a few months ago killed his former boss with a hatchet. Tuesday, news broke of Kate Spade’s suicide, which stunned because she was the sunny disposition in bright clothing who seemed to have it all. This morning, Anthony Bourdain, a successful media personality whose career and approach to life I greatly admired, took his own life.

At face value, the these events look like isolated incidents. They are not. Mental illness is a killer. I'm no expert, but I'm convinced it's what sent my former neighbor, who was nothing but a kind and gentle soul to me and so many others, on the path to flee the city and sell his home only to return short of one year later to viciously take the life of a wonderful person. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. No one is immune to mental health challenges. Depression isn't my thing - my flavor is anxiety and at times it has crippled me. One of the best choices I’ve ever made is to see a therapist to cope with how I’m wired. Although I've never been suicidal, I have no illusions that it can't happen to me. I’m also profoundly grateful for many friends and family who care for me deeply, who check in on me, ask me how I am and let me know on the regular that they care.

If you find yourself in a hole of depression or climbing the walls with anxiety, reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. Help is out there and it is available. If we live in the same city, I’ll share my therapist’s contact info as I have with several other friends and acquaintances who have found him to be helpful. And it's not a one way street. Maybe your mind doesn't turn against you, but you know someone whose does. Make a phone call, write an email or send a text and ask how he/she is doing. It might make all the difference in the world.

Someone who fights his own mind battles told me this week “your head is a dangerous place to live.” For many, it’s a deadly place. Help is available.