Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “While a cure for depression and anxiety remains stubbornly out of reach, becoming an agnostic thinker and questioning the assumptions we make about the world is most certainly good behavioral medicine. While an apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, doubting our negative assumptions each day can be an effective way to keep the therapist away as well.”

Rachel Richards of the Michigan League for Public Policy argues, “With federal support returning to its pre-pandemic levels, we will now be more dependent on our own state resources to ensure Michiganders have what they need to not only survive, but thrive. And while Michigan’s economy is currently stable, with revenues coming in as expected, it’s not enough to prevent us from returning to the decades of disinvestment in Michigan workers, families and children that we saw prior to the pandemic.”

#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes, “Mental Health services in Three Rivers and St. Joseph County are lacking. Oftentimes we have to travel out of town to find some relief. Now, I don’t want to take away from the amazing people who are working tirelessly in this county to change the system and support these kids, but I do want to highlight a few hurdles I have encountered throughout my time as a mom who struggles with mental health.”

In this week’s column, Watershed Voice’s Charles Thomas writes, “[…] the benefits of asking better questions are immense. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that changing the questions you ask yourself in times of struggle can alter the trajectory of your life, and over the long term be life changing. Better questions can also lead you away from narrow-mindedly blaming yourself whenever something bad happens in your life.”

Andrew George of Three Rivers gives his “strong endorsement for Tom Lowry as our next Mayor of Three Rivers,” citing “competence and experience” as important attributes to consider when voting on Tuesday, November 7.

Editor’s note: Watershed Voice does not endorse any candidates for public office, and any views or opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.