“211, Marcus speaking. How can I help you?” “I’m trying to get into a women’s shelter,” said a woman named Sofia* on the other end of the phone. “I’ve tried one but it’s full. I have a newborn as well who I need to take with me. I’m just finding this whole thing really overwhelming.” “I can...
“Distress Centre, Mei speaking.” “I am worthless,” said a low voice on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry to hear you feel that way,” Mei*, a crisis line volunteer at Distress Centre, responded. “It sounds like you’re having a really hard time. Are you having any thoughts of suicide right now?” “Yes. It’s time to end...
“Thank you for contacting Distress Centre. This is Anne.” “I’m having a panic attack right now,” Dane* told Anne, an online services volunteer. “I’m sorry to hear that,” Anne responded. “Are you safe right now?” “Yes, I’ve had panic attacks before,” Dane said. “I just need to talk to someone for a bit to calm myself down. I’m...
This year marked the 6th annual Outrun the Stigma, a walk/run in support of mental health awareness with a mission to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness. The event, which took place on October 21st, raised $94,650 for our ConnecTeen youth program. The total raised this year exceeds that of all previous years combined, and...
Congratulations to our Executive Director, Jerilyn Dressler, who was named in Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. We're very proud of Jerilyn for receiving this well-deserved recognition. [edgtf_button size="" type="" text="Read the Story" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://www.avenuecalgary.com/City-Life/Top-40-Under-40/2018/Jerilyn-Dressler/" target="_blank" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""]...
In loving memory of Martha. "My grandma was so loving and caring. She always said to me ‘Do unto others as you would have them unto you’. She never got tired of helping people, and I do what I do to honour my grandmother and the God that she believed in." – Michael Michael Kirui was born...
In October 2004, Lee Horbachewski was without hope. She was suffering from untreated postpartum depression after the birth of her second daughter and was ready to take her life. She had a plan and the means to attempt suicide. In a moment of clarity, she pulled out the phone book and found the number for Distress...
Lend An Ear 2018 took place on September 20th, 2018. For our 8th annual fundraiser, we tried a new format, hosting an evening event instead of a breakfast. Crescent Point Energy donated the stunning venue. Peasant Cheese catered the evening. New Level Brewing donated delicious local beer for our guests to enjoy. Thank you to the speakers...
Guest post by Caleb Anderson. People with drug and alcohol addictions are generally not the healthiest of people. A substance abuse disorder is a type of self-harm, involving a lack of self-esteem. Drugs and alcohol make it harder to love yourself. As a result, you won’t take care of yourself. When you’re in recovery, you have...
Distress Centre’s first ever Volunteer Impact Event took place on July 25th, 2018. Like Volunteer Appreciation Events in the past, the event focused on showing our gratitude for the dedication shown by our crisis line volunteers. The event differed from events in the past as the focus was on getting feedback and ideas from volunteers...
