When Sandra had trouble in school as a child, she didn’t connect it to mental health. But as life became more challenging, so did her problems.
Struggling to keep up with work, as she had in school, Sandra wondered when things would become easier for her. She asked herself if she would ever get to start enjoying her life instead of just surviving it. As problems continued to pile up, and not knowing how to cope, her gambling was becoming destructive. Sandra knew she needed to make some changes.
Looking online for help, Sandra discovered Access 24/7 and picked up the phone. Access 24/7 connects adults to community-based addiction and mental health services, all from a single access point. Sandra joined a virtual community program called Hope and Wellness, where she found a sense of connection and belonging. “You realize that you need a support system,” she explains, “That you need to talk about it, and it’s okay to talk about it no matter what your situation is.”
Today, Sandra knows she has a community that will help carry the weight of anything life may throw at her. She shares her story with us to show others that even if you don’t know where to look, there is always hope to be found.
It really does give you hope for a better future for yourself. It gives you hope that you can get through this…even if it happens again, and you can move forward.”
The Edmonton Hope and Wellness program offers group workshops which integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to teach skills like stress management and emotional regulation while providing a sense of community.
