A high profile tragedy raises awareness
Former Saskatchewan member of Parliament Dave Batters took his own life on June 29, 2009 after a lengthy battle with anxiety and depression. He was 39 years old. Mr. Batters left federal politics in 2008, saying that he planned to work on recovery.
At a memorial service held Saturday July 4, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said, “Each year, nearly 4,000 Canadians make this same choice. Mostly, the experts tell us, it is a decision to end their burden of depression.” The high-profile tragedy has drawn increased attention to anxiety, depression, and suicide.
We speak with Pamela Cowan, a reporter for the Leader-Post in Regina, who has just completed a series examining the state of mental health in Saskatchewan, called “From Shadow to Light”.
