Achi news desk-
Their world seemed to fall apart when free mental health services changed the lives of a Calgary family and now they’re trying to help others get the same support.
“It’s changed my life, to be honest, and I wish that for other girls,” Julianne Buchler said.
Buchler grew up in Calgary, married an American and was living in California when the family faced a number of financial, emotional and health obstacles that left them reeling.
She was dealing with a serious pregnancy with their second child when her husband was made redundant.
The next day their first child was admitted to the ICU with severe respiratory illness.
Calgary
A few weeks later, the family moved to Calgary, shortly after the Buchler’s second child was born as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“It felt like the world was really caving in on me and on us,” says Julianne.
She said a referral to the Calgary Women’s Mental Health program saved them.
“Being referred within a few weeks by my GP to this program where I got free mental health support was amazing,” she said.
“Coming from the United States where everything comes with a price tag, and it’s a big price tag, it was a shock to me,” Buchler added.. “I still feel it’s unbelievable and that’s why I’m trying to raise awareness and support for this service.”
“We went from surviving, and at times barely surviving, to living… and that was an incredible gift,” said Julianne Buchler.
say ‘thank you’
The Buchlers are so grateful for the free mental health support, they are trying to raise $10,000 with Run for Women Calgary to say thank you and to help other families in need.
“We went from surviving, and at times barely surviving, to living… and that was an incredible gift,” says Julianne.
“I don’t think we could ever give back as much as they have given to us and our family,” said her husband Rick.
“It’s been amazing for us and our family,” he added. “Since we got here we’ve had incredible support and it continues to this day.”
The race takes place on June 15 in Edworthy Park, but the Buchlers are already practicing their steps to raise awareness of the event by walking and connecting with the community.
Julianne said it was a continuation of her journey.
“I need to be outside, I need to be walking,” Julianne said. “This is what I do to support my mental health to this day, including the support from the foundation itself and it been a very nice way to bring those along. things together.”
7 neighbourhoods
Julianne, Rick and their six-year-old son James and four-year-old daughter Jax have visited seven Calgary neighborhoods and more than forty different businesses so far.
“It has led to great conversations with local businesses. We’ve met some great people. We’ve discovered some great local treats.”
The event supports Calgary Health Foundation initiatives.
“Over the past 11 years that we’ve been a part of it, over $1.3 million has been raised in Calgary to support women’s mental health,” said Heather Innes, director of community engagement and donor relations at the Calgary Health Foundation.
This year, money will go towards the Women’s Mental Health Clinic.
“In Calgary, one in five women struggle with their mental health,” she said.
And towards the Calgary Eating Disorder Program.
“We are raising money for the first unit of its kind at Foothills Medical Health Center for eating disorders, patients to be treated in-house at the center,” Innes said.
This help can save lives in some cases, according to psychiatrist Dr. Monique Jericho, medical director of the Calgary Eating Disorder Program.
“Nobody in our community should ever feel like they’re being turned away because of the type of problem they have and so adding more resources, adding more support for this particular group of people is going to make a huge difference ,” said Dr. Jericho.
He added that helping one person can also change the lives of many people.
“Not only do we support women, families and their children, but we also reduce the burden and distress on that next generation, so that their children grow up with more stability.”
The Buchlers hope they can help raise money for more resources and more awareness of the services.
“Mental health support comes to the fore in what we can do to help people live their best life,” Buchler said.
Learn more about their campaign here.
