The city of Nîmes is launching its Local Mental Health Council this week, led by Amal Couvreur, the first deputy mayor. This initiative is part of a campaign promise from the new majority in local government, which aims to place mental health at the center of public policy. While issues like purchasing power, security, housing, education, and healthcare are often discussed in public debates, mental health remains a topic that is rarely addressed, even though mental distress is widespread across society. It affects families, businesses, middle schools, high schools, and universities, and impacts both young and older generations. People close to individuals experiencing mental health challenges often struggle with knowing how to help, whom to contact, and where to seek support. The new Nîmes municipal administration has decided to tackle this issue by creating the Local Mental Health Council, which seeks to bring together various stakeholders to improve coordination and support for those in need. The city acknowledges that this initiative will not transform French psychiatry, but it hopes to focus attention on mental health, foster collaboration between different groups, and encourage those who might otherwise work in isolation to share resources and knowledge. The ultimate goal is to help individuals in distress find the right support more quickly and efficiently. The initiative has been described as a positive step, but it remains to be seen how many resources will be allocated to it. The effort is also seen as a way to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Nicolas Demorand, a journalist with France Inter, shared his personal experience with bipolar disorder in his book Intérieur nuit, which received widespread attention. His account emphasized that mental illness does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or social status. The Local Mental Health Council is expected to begin its work soon, with initial meetings planned to bring together community leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and other relevant stakeholders. The council will focus on identifying local needs and developing practical solutions tailored to the community. While the long-term impact of the initiative is uncertain, it represents a significant shift in how mental health is approached in public policy at the local level.