Tragedies like the Sandy Hook shooting strike, and the country turns its attention to mental illness. But this is a conversation that needs to go deeper and last longer. KPCC journalists want Southern California community members to lead the conversation.

Tell us: How has mental illness affected your life?

It's confidential, and a KPCC journalist will reply by email. Nothing you share is aired or published without your permission. We are, however, looking for a few people to interview.

Please also share the link (www.scpr.org/network/questions/mi) with anyone you think might be interested in responding.

Our social media editor has also started a Twitter campaign related to the realities of mental illness. Click here to be part of it by filling out a small public form or use the hashtag #livingwith on Twitter.

While I have your attention, I also wanted to let you know about other questions we're asking people in the Public Insight Network. Please respond to any and all.

• What do you think of when you hear the word "gentrification"? L.A. neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Venice and Boyle Heights have undergone dramatic changes in the last 20 years. Today, Highland Park in northeast Los Angeles appears poised to join the ranks of the gentrified—with noticeable changes in local businesses, services and demographics.
• What is the student veteran experience? Southern California is home to the largest population in the United States of veterans and active military personnel returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Journalists at KPCC have teamed with American Public Media to report the story of the student veteran experience. Help shape our reporting by sharing your thoughts and experiences.
• Have you had a procedure performed at a surgery center? Not all medical procedures are performed at hospitals. KPCC journalists are interested in connecting with people who have received treatment at an outpatient surgery center. Please rate your experience and share your insights with KPCC.
• What are the sounds unique to your neighborhood? Every neighborhood has a soundscape, a melange of musical and sometimes nonmusical noises all its own. KPCC's Take Two morning show wants to feature the sounds (good and bad) that provide a soundtrack to your every day.

Your insights help our reporters cover the news in a more personal, up-close way and find people and stories we might have missed.