Aditya* had just left his doctor’s office, clutching a handful of notes and referrals that were meant to help with his mental health, but only left him feeling heavier than when he came in. Instead of relief, he carried a rising wave of anxiety, as all the options for care swirled around in his mind. He was now on his own to take the first step, but he felt hopeless, not knowing where to begin.
Right now, your gift to Distress Centre Calgary will be matched, creating twice the impact for people like Aditya who need someone to talk to when life feels overwhelming.
Aditya tried searching online for resources. AI provided a long list of links, phone numbers and brief explanations, but Aditya had no way of knowing which ones were right for him. This only deepened his panic further. The system felt like a maze with no clear entry point, and the harder he tried, the more lost he became.
In frustration, and with nowhere else to turn, Aditya called Distress Centre Calgary. On the other end of the line wasn’t a recording or a chatbot. It was a real person, a Community Resource Specialist named Jan*. Because of you, Aditya was met with no judgement and the listening ear of a real human being.
Where an algorithm gave Aditya a long list of resources and limited details, Jan gave Aditya the space to share his past experiences and validated the fear and overwhelm he felt. As the call went on, Aditya’s voice shifted. The trembling edge softened, his breathing steadied, and he returned to his baseline.
Moments like this happen every day at Distress Centre — and right now, your donation will go twice as far to make them possible. Every matched gift means another call answered, another life calmed, and another person reminded they’re not alone.
This is when Jan knew then that Aditya was ready to explore mental health supports. Jan provided Aditya with a tailored list of programs and took the time to explain each one in detail, so Aditya could decide which one felt right for him. Aditya and Jan scheduled a follow-up conversation, which reassured Aditya that a real person cared for his wellbeing and he wasn’t alone.
Aditya told Jan the conversation was helpful and thanked her. Because of supporters like you, , Aditya had a list of programs that made sense for him and a clear plan for counselling and ongoing support. Because of you, Aditya was not alone when he needed help.
Aditya’s story is one of many. Across Alberta, people turn to Distress Centre Calgary when the weight of life feels too heavy to bare and they can’t calm the storm they feel within. Technology can list resources, but it can’t truly listen. You make it possible for a caring human to listen when people are in need. Your support connects Albertans with someone who listens to understand and helps them find a way forward.
Give today so no one faces crisis alone. Your donation will be matched, creating twice as much impact.
Your donation ensures that when someone reaches out in anxiety or confusion, they’re met with real, human-to-human care — someone who listens, understands, and reminds them that hope is still there.
*Names and details changed to maintain confidentiality
