We know reaching out to a crisis line takes a great deal of courage. That courage comes from admitting and accepting the fact you need help, and that you are willing to take that first step. It also comes from fearing the unknown. You might ask, “What happens when I contact a crisis line? Who...
2017 was another challenging year for Calgarians, as we faced an economy that has been slow to recover. We continue to see the impact of this prolonged recession on our crisis lines, in our counselling program and Basic Needs Fund. Compared to 2016, last year was a year of increased demand right across the board, which...
Author: Teresa Greenhill The holidays can be especially difficult for seniors in recovery. You might be used to being the matriarch at holiday gatherings. The one who hosted the big dinners, the one who graciously wrote all the cards, wrapped the gifts, and gave the toast. But addiction may have changed that. If you’re a senior in...
With the holiday season just around the corner, you can make a difference for Calgarians in distress this holiday season. While you're relaxing with loved ones, or finishing up your holiday shopping, our dedicated staff and volunteers are responding to Calgarians in crisis 24 hours a day. Yes, even on Christmas Day, when you're sitting down...
The holiday season is a time for Calgarians to do some of the things they love most - spending time with loved ones, revisiting annual traditions and enjoying winter activities. But for many Calgarians, the holidays and the winter season become a time of stress and anxiety. The holidays can cause immense stress on a family's...
There are many ways to describe Distress Centre Calgary counsellor, Edwin Morales. Most people would describe Edwin as compassionate, enthusiastic, and driven. However, if you ask him, there is one unique word that can summarize him entirely: Perspective. Although, this word is not common to describe someone in their entirety, the word couldn’t be more...
Outrun the Stigma is an annual 5k walk/10k run that was founded by two University of Calgary students, Leah Shipton and Amy Li, who noticed a gap in the running culture for runs raising awareness for mental health. In October 2013, the DC on Campus Club and the Mental Health Awareness Club, organized the first Outrun...
As Canada’s largest bank, RBC is one of the largest corporate donors not only in Canada but around the world. On a global basis they are one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies. The RBC Youth Mental Health (YMH) Project is RBC’s commitment to support mental health programs that help youth and families access...
In 2016, Distress Centre Calgary responded to 113,975 phone calls, emails, chats, texts and requests for counselling. People from all walks of life reach out to us for support day or night- parents, professionals, teens, teachers, seniors, to name just a few examples. What we know is that you can't judge a person's situation by...
David Granirer, a comedian, counsellor, speaker and author, headlined our Lend An Ear Breakfast. On the morning of September 21st, 2017, we gathered in the beautiful Odd Fellows Hall for our 7th Annual Lend An Ear Breakfast. Comedian, David Granirer, from Vancouver, BC, headlined the morning. He is a stand-up comic, counsellor, mental health speaker and...
