Wall Supports Bell Let's Talk

Saskatchewan's Premier is trying to draw more attention towards an initiative raising money and awareness for mental health initiatives.

Brad Wall released a video today promoting Bell Let's Talk day with a focus on Saskatchewan's first premier, the Honourable Walter Scott.

Throughout the day Bell will donate 5¢ to mental health initiatives for every text message sent, mobile and long distance call made by Bell customers, as well as every tweet using the #BellLetsTalk hash tag and Facebook share of the Bell Let’s Talk image.

Wall focused on Scott's struggles with depression.

"Our first premier's accomplishments are even more impressive when you consider the health challenges he faced almost every day of his working life," Wall said in his video. "He battled asthma, periodic bouts of pneumonia, and Walter Scott also suffered from something else, what one author called the fierce blackness of depression."

He told of how Scott eventually had to leave public life because of the impact depression had on his life.

"That was more than 100 years ago," Wall said. "A less enlightened era... or so we think."

"Today we have the benefit of modern medication and therapy. Science has come a long way, but our attitudes still have a long way to come. The stigma of mental illness has proven durable and difficult to eradicate. Mental illness continues to be associated with weakness and that prevents people from seeking help."

The Cypress Health Region also tweeted encouraging participation in the campaign. They note confidential access to mental health/addictions is available locally at 306-778-5280.

Brad Wall's Bell Let's Talk Video: