Community
Kristine’s Story: More hopeful, helpful, and a better mom


Kristine was struggling. A while after she had her second son she started not wanting to be around her older son. It was a terrible feeling, and she knew she needed help overcoming it. She saw her family doctor who said this was likely a postpartum feeling from her first pregnancy and put her on medication. Then she developed anxiety which hit her really hard. She didn’t want to leave the house. The kids became her safe zone and the only way she would leave the house was with her kids. At this point her doctor suggested that meds cannot fix this, she needed to talk to someone and was sent to an RDPCN Mental Health Counsellor.
The counsellor provided Kristine with lots of resources. They started with breathing exercises. Kristine would set a timer on her phone at least 15 times per day to remind her to stop and take deep breaths. The counsellor and Kristine had practiced over the phone to ensure Kristine knew the technique. This really helped. Kristine states “When I was anxious, I would forget to breathe. My breaths were very shallow.” The counsellor also encouraged her to take time for herself through activities such as yoga or baths. She also encouraged her to change her outlook by thinking of the positive things about going out by herself and having a break from her kids. This really helped her to think of this as a fun outing instead of a scary have-to-do. Reflecting on the information she learned about anxiety, Kristine thinks she has had anxiety all of her life.
Kristine started a Facebook nutrition challenge in January where healthy eating, exercise, drinking water and other healthy habits were presented in a fun and competitive way. As these are all aspects of self-care, they have been very positive for Kristine. Her husband stated between the counsellor and the challenge I can see the light back in your eyes. Kristine’s relationship with her older son is much improved. He spent some play time with relatives where he received their undivided attention. He also started school which absorbs some of his endless energy. These changes along with Kristine’s healing have made a big difference.
Overall Kristine feels much more hopeful and healthier and that she is a better mom. She feels she has come through the darkness to enjoy her life and family.
Read more stories from the RDPCN.
City of Red Deer
Pop-up Spray Parks – City bringing family fun to your neighbourhood this summer


Pop-up spray parks are back this summer
Families and friends are invited to join Red Deer Emergency Services, Municipal Policing Services and the Red Deer RCMP to beat the heat at pop-up spray parks every Thursday this July and August.
Each spray park will run every Thursday from 6:30 – 8 p.m., visiting neighbourhoods across the city as follows:
Date | Location | Address |
July 7 | Barry Wilson Elementary School | 300 Timothy Drive |
July 14 | G.H. Dawe School | Holt Street & 59 Avenue |
July 21 | St. Francis of Assisi School | 321 Lindsay Avenue |
July 28 | Anders Park | Ayers Avenue & Anders Street |
August 4 | Kentwood Park | Kendrew Drive & Kent Street |
August 11 | Don Campbell Elementary School | 99 Irving Crescent |
August 18 | Joseph Welsh Elementary School | 4401 – 37 Avenue |
August 25 | Johnstone Park | Jordan Parkway & Jennings Crescent |
Events are weather dependant and will be cancelled if weather warnings are in place. The City will provide updates on social media each week if events are in question due to weather.
Information and schedule are available online at www.reddeer.ca/PopUpSprayParks.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer
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