I am a strong supporter of doing whatever is necessary to have good mental health. Whether one is exposed to trauma or mental illness more needs to be done to talk about mental health issues.

In light of the uncalled for death of NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia her assailant had a long history of psychiatric problems.

The laws changed years ago to allow the mentally ill to have a say in their treatment. That’s OK for some but not for others. This person was so unstable that he randomly killed someone. This is not OK. Where was the necessary intervention. There is much media attention for the NYPD officer but these random killings by the mentally unstable go on every day, we just don’t hear about it.

Go to your doctor, spiritual advisor, hospital,library, online for resources on how to protect  and educate yourself on mental health. Know the warning signs if someone is acting irrationally. Know who to call for help. Get away if necessary. There are many ways to address these issues.

Learn all you can about psychology and behavior, the more you know the more you can keep yourself and family safe.

NYPD, all law enforcement agencies, hospitals, therapists, and family members deal with emotionally disturbed people every day. Let’s help ourselves and those who regularly deal with this population. Get educated on mental health now before another senseless tragedy happens.

My condolences to NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia and her family and please let this be an opportunity to talk openly about mental health issues so we can stop this senseless violence before it starts.