What we carry with us

says a lot about what we're going through.

In 2016, Distress Centre provided support for 113,975 people. We didn’t judge. We didn’t discriminate. We were just here for them in their time of need. Here are some of their stories.

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Jim

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and stress A monthly source of anxiety
For the jobs I need, but can't stand.
For when I have to go right from one job to the next.
Keys to the place I can barely afford.
my truck when I can't drive A two hour commute

Jim's Story

(then)

I’m an engineer by trade but with the struggling economy in Alberta, you’d never know it to look at me. I’m barely getting by with my two minimum wage jobs. Every month paying my rent is a struggle and all my debt payments really don’t help things. Then my truck died. I needed it to get to and from work but paying to repair it was going to be impossible. Next thing I knew I was getting final notices for my utilities.

My friend Rob called 211.

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Annette

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Keeps my life in order so I never forget anything.
For covering the bags under my eyes.
To cover the bruises.
Helps to stress manage my headaches.
Sometimes I can't keep my emotions inside.
sometimes I need these when things get out of hand...
Keeps Lacey happy when my husband isn’t.
Annette-b4-sunglasses-overlay-text-arrow For hiding what I don’t want strangers to see.

Annette's Story

(then)

I found myself completely overwhelmed. Early one morning the police were at my home and arrested my husband for domestic violence. There was a part of me that was relieved because my daughter and I would be safe from his abuse. But there was also a part of me that was terrified. I was now left without a safe place for my daughter and I to live. I had no idea what to do next.

I called Distress Centre desperate for help.

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Vivian

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Art is my outlet, it helps me make sense of things.
For my medications (I hate swallowing pills).
To help manage my anxiety and depression.
I draw because it's easier than talking.
I sketch when I am alone but I don’t want to feel lonely.

Vivian's Story

(then)

I’m no stranger to anxiety and depression. I’d tried everything from exercise to diet and was now on medication. But it wasn’t enough. I had attempted to take my life about a year ago and found myself in the same place again. I couldn’t talk to my family because I was sure they really didn’t care. I hadn’t told anyone but I felt completely alone and worthless.

I messaged ConnecTeen and started a conversation with a volunteer.