To the Editor:
Saskatchewan and Quebec are the only two provinces in Canada that cover the services for TMS (trans-cranial magnetic stimulation). This procedure has helped me, and thousands of others struggling with the mentall illnesses of chronic anxiety and depression, as well as other mental illnesses.
The Assiniboine Medical Clinic in Regina offers this procedure, through a very experienced and knowledgeable psychiatrist, Dr. Natarajan. Why am I mentioning this, you ask? I have found it to be very helpful for myself, and wanted to make others aware of its benefits.
I chose to continue my medication while going through the procedure. I will be on medication for life in regards to mental illness, and I feel no shame in that. Some people need life-long medications for various ailments, etc. I don’t see myself as any different.
A while back, I called in to a radio station in Regina to ask them why they often refer to bad weather as “schizo?” I asked them how they would think that a person with schizophrenia would feel after hearing this. They apologized and said that it would not continue.
I personally do not have schizophrenia, but there are many people in our community who do have schizophrenia. This does not make them less important than anyone else. I feel it is part of my responsibility as a person to watch out for the welfare of others that are targeted for these kinds of comments.
A big high-five goes out to the Canadian Mental Health Association, as well as the Weyburn Police Service for their emphasis on the importance and awareness of mental health.
Jeff Milleker, Weyburn
