It is a sad thing to realize that the highest yearly suicide rates fall around Christmas. While the holidays can bring extreme happiness to those gifted with family and friends of any variety, for others it is a reminder of elements that may be lacking in their life. Factor in possible financial trouble and the cold weather, it can prove to be an extremely depressing – even fatal - combination. January has been shown statistically to be the second most depressing month of the year. It is one of the coldest, and after the hype of Christmas it can leave individuals drained and yearning for the warmth of spring, or wallowing in financial woes

At times like this it is important to remember that options are available to help relieve the stress by offering a sympathetic ear.

The Calgary Distress Center offers a variety of programs and hotlines to help in times of need. Their work has been changing the lives of Calgarians since 1970, allowing them to form long term partnerships with other community assistance based programs and organizations, forming a large resource center.

The Distress Center now offers seven separate lines to meet the needs of various individuals in the community.

The newest addition to the group is the Out is OK line, designed to serve the greater GLBT community. The line is primarily for peer support and counseling, and is not a community information hotline outside of related services. The program is still in its pilot year and is looking for volunteers. While it is manned 24/7, general volunteers often have to take over when peer volunteers are not available. Their goal is to gain a peer volunteer base to handle the line fully.

Currently, Out is OK is manned by members of the community on Monday from 12pm to 5pm, Thursday from 6pm to 11pm, Saturday from 10pm to 2am, and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm.

In order to volunteer with the distress center you are required to go through an interview process. During this, you can specify which group you are interested in working with, and your in-interview training will be directed for that stream.

The Distress Center also offers counseling services which are accessible through their main line. The counseling offered is short term, focusing on the current situation of the client and moving forward. Counseling is offered in 12 languages and also serves three area high schools outside of the main building.

The Distress Center relies on community donations, and the funds raised from their yearly Rocky Road Ride which invites motorcycle enthusiasts to try their luck at winning the motorbike of their dreams.

You won’t hear a cry for help unless you take the time to listen. Simply lending an ear or offering some sound advice could make a huge difference to those who are struggling to cope with the pressures of life.

The Distress Centre

Main Crisis & Addictions Line - (403) 266-1605

Teen Line - (403) 264- 8336

Youth Drug Line - (403) 269- 3784

Men’s Line - (403) 266- 4357

Seniors Line - (403) 264-7700

Out is OK Line - 1-877- 688-4765

Family Violence Info Line – (403) 310-1818

www.distresscentre.ab.ca