Mental illness does not have physical symptoms.
Many people suffer from it but outwardly appear just fine. And because of this, there are many who dismiss depression and anxiety as weaknesses, a lack of willpower. Some people think that if someone just tried to be happy, he or she wouldn't be depressed anymore.
Because of this lack of physical manifestation, some people don't think it's as dangerous as physical ailments such as heart disease or cancer. But for some people, it's an incredibly destructive force that's just as hard to fight as cancer - and some don't win that battle.
Sadly, that is what happened to Moose Jaw's former representative in Ottawa, Dave Batters. The disease won when Batters committed suicide on Monday.
A lot of people may dismiss his actions as simply giving up. But mental illness is not that simple. There's no way to know what was going on in Batters' mind. He may not even have been totally aware of his actions.
Depression can be incredibly destructive and when there is an outcome such as the one on Monday, it can leave everybody left behind in shock because we may not have seen it coming.
Sadly, there is nothing that can be done now to help Batters. Hopefully, the shock created by his suicide will stay in the minds of everybody and make them view the disease differently and more seriously.
While it is sad that a man just 39 years old is leaving a legacy behind, let his legacy be one of awareness. Let people remember that depression can be devastating both for those affected by it and the friends and family around them.
Batters' legacy on mental illness
- Published on July 3rd, 2009
- Published on July 10th, 2009
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Staff ~ The Moose Jaw Times Herald
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- connie
- - September 18th, 2009 at 17:25:06
In view of this devastating tragedy I urge everyone to read a series of articles in the Toronto Globe and Mail on mental illness along with what needs to be done about the lack of mental health services in Canada.
The series and recommendations can be found on Toronto Globe and Mail website by referring to:
BREAKDOWN: Canada's Mental Health Crisis.
Also click onto 'A 12-step program for Canada' that sets out what needs to be done. For example the following quotes from this article:
commit to a national mental health plan - NOW!!;
set up community-treatment programs in every health district (in the current non-system, the sickest of the sick often end up on the streets, in jail or spiraling downward in grungy rooming houses);
build tens of thousands of supportive housing units;
implement early-intervention programs in ALL SCHOOLS!!!;
radically reduce wait times for both emergency and therapeutic care;
invest in peer-support groups; and
combat stigma
These are only 7 of the 12-step program for Canada that is recommended.
As mentioned in the editorial, perhaps the shock of this tragedy will motivate us to learn more about what needs to be done to correct CANADA'S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS by reading this excellent series of articles and recommendations on the Globe and Mail website.
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