Well, where to start? I've racked my brains to think of an approach that would be eye catching, memorable or something completely different. I decided to just appeal to your better natures and hope that you have time to retain some of this information and act positively upon it.

Depression robs everyone: not just the individual suffering from it but her/his family, friends and work colleagues. Gone is the person they know and love of old; in their place is this tearful, indecisive and sad individual. Productivity in the workplace is vastly affected; just look around your workplace and imagine one in five colleagues affected with depression or other forms of mental illness. Can you guess who is ill and suffering? It is hard as depression is invisible and not obvious as if you were in a wheelchair, had a cast or had lost your hair. Yes the individuals affected are suffering - they have been robbed of their former selves, of who they are and how people see them. Their ability to function normally is no more; can you imagine how that makes a person feel? Someone who has been in complete control of their lives, has talent and intelligence, used to making their own decisions is now asking for help from others and isn't fully aware of what help they need or what help might be available.

Nova Scotia is a wonderful province, one in which I chose to live. However, as a person who has suffered from depression for over 30 years, I am not at all impressed with the facilities/service/help available to me. I feel let down by the system and robbed yet again of the help that I need to get better and beat this illness. I have a loving and supportive husband and children who have graciously and gently picked up the pieces for me. As a result of ECT treatment over three years ago to remedy my illness, I have lost my long term memory and most of my short term memory and am unable to work. I left the day centre at NS Hospital into the care of my family - what about those who do not have that support to turn to? My family and friends have helped and provided support to me throughout the years but I strongly believe that a cohesive, mental health strategy is long overdue for Nova Scotians. If you cannot be your own advocate, pity you. Who will be your advocate in the mental health system? No one; you're on your own and you have to fight for help. That is soooo wrong.

I am fortunate: I'm intelligent and I have the support of my family. God knows where I'd be without them - dead I imagine and that is not exaggeration. This is serious and you now have a choice and a decision: leave it alone (like many other politicians in your position) or choose to take a stand on behalf of all Nova Scotians and make a difference. I hope you do the decent thing and decide on a mental health strategy for Nova Scotia. May I suggest that if you do make the right decision, you ask the public for their input with its implementation. They are the stakeholders of mental health services and are thus best placed to advise you and offer suggestions. Please, please listen to the hidden patients.

Sincerely,
Oscar's Mum.