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Content warning: This is a #BellLetsTalk 
thread discussing a topic that is upsetting to many.
thread discussing a topic that is upsetting to many.
This is my Dad when he and Mom began dating. He was struggling with a mental illness here. #BellLetsTalk
This is my Dad when he went to Alberta to find work. He was struggling with a mental illness here. #BellLetsTalk
This is my Dad on summer vacation with me. He was struggling with a mental illness here. #BellLetsTalk
This is my Dad dancing with me at my prom. He was struggling with a mental illness here. #BellLetsTalk
This is my Dad's memory card after we lost him to suicide. He's no longer suffering with a mental illness. #BellLetsTalk
I could add a million tweets to this thread. Photos of my first love who we also lost to suicide. Photos of people struggling with their mental health. Photos of me deep in my post-partum depression or fighting down a panic attack. #BellLetsTalk
I have mixed feelings about #BellLetsTalk . I like that it raises money and gets us talking. But it's not even lip service to this issue. I've been talking about mental health on here since I opened my account. And I always will. But as I run for public office...
. I like that it raises money and gets us talking. But it's not even lip service to this issue. I've been talking about mental health on here since I opened my account. And I always will. But as I run for public office...
...it has new meaning. Friends, I don't have all the answers. But I do have some ideas. I know there are smaller, low cost things we can do to improve access to services like how info is provided to those seeking help. But I believe we need a significant and meaningful...
...look at the system from start to finish. We need preventative and maintenance care. Crisis care. We need lifelong care, for people like my father whose illness is always there. #BellLetsTalk
I support the idea Dr. Janine Hubbard put forth in her CBC story recently, of creating a Ministry of Mental Health. I think this would be a critical first step in putting the needed focus on this literal life or death topic. #BellLetsTalk
I think we also need to look at mental health through the lens of the social determinants of health, considering things like social supports, housing, economic factors etc. This is an issue we can't unwind in a twitter thread... #BellLetsTalk
...but it is one to which I will forever remain a vocal advocate pushing for change. I hope all of you do the same.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
Ps: Here's a story I wrote for CBC about my Dad, if you'd like to learn more about him (or me). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/pov-hayward-suicide-1.5773174
