By William Tauro

With all the bad news in the media regarding mental illness tragic scenes in the past month including this past week’s tragedy in Andover, it’s absolutely time for our elected officials to step forward and make that difference!

Mental illness, including depression, is a major issue that affects millions of people worldwide and has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Unfortunately, it is often neglected or stigmatized, leading to a lack of resources, support, and understanding.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health, and efforts are being made to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma, and increase public awareness. This is a positive step in the right direction, but there is still much more that can be done to support those who are struggling with mental illness.

It is important for communities to prioritize mental health and well-being, by creating a supportive environment, promoting healthy habits and behaviors, and providing access to resources and services for those in need. This can help reduce the impact of mental illness and improve the lives of those affected by it.

Moreover, mental health should be integrated into mainstream education and curriculums, so that people can learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and how to support those who are struggling.

Overall, a collective effort is needed to make mental health a priority and create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.