Former client of Step Up Step Down is studying to be a social worker, and volunteering with youth who struggle with their mental health

RED DEER — There was a time in middle school Lara Kontzie had so much anxiety she couldn’t raise her hand in class.

Now 18 years old, studying social work in college and volunteering with children and youth, she is holding the hands of younger kids as she helps them deal with their childhood challenges.

A big part of the healing that took place in between those years is thanks to Red Deer’s Step Up Step Down (SUSD) — a Recovery Alberta inpatient program for youth who need support for mental health and/or addiction concerns.

At 14, however, Lara didn’t embrace the program right away. “I didn’t want to be there. I didn’t want to talk. So many people had tried to help me in the past, but it didn’t work so I just wanted people to leave me alone,” she says.

Though Lara spent the beginning of the 12-week stay keeping to herself, staff quickly found out about her love for Spiderman — and things clicked from there.

Lara Kontzie holds the painting she created years ago at Step Up Step Down, a live-in program for youth dealing with mental health and/or addiction concerns, located in Red Deer. Years later, she reflects on her time in the program and how what she learned along the way helps her manage her own mental health — while supporting others too.

“The team started chatting with me about Spiderman, asking which actor and movie was my favourite, and I immediately opened up,” she says.

Lara says that’s when she started viewing staff members as real people instead of the people “in charge,” allowing her to let them in and connect on a deeper level.

SUSD’s program manager, Holly, credits both Lara and the program’s “passionate and compassionate” staff for forging meaningful connections.

“Lara became more open and vulnerable and would be genuine in her discussions with staff. Every interaction can be therapeutic,” she says.

The unique program includes a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, mental health aides, social workers, occupational and recreation therapists, a child life specialist, and a family counsellor, with wraparound supports from pre-admission to discharge.

Holly says Lara’s confidence grew significantly as she used the strategies and tools she was taught to better manage her mental health struggles.

“It is so meaningful and rewarding to witness a youth’s growth,” she says. “Lara’s journey has been incredibly inspiring.”

Holly explains that youth in the program thrive in the daily habits and routines they develop, including making their bed, tidying up, eating a healthy breakfast, practicing gratitude and intention, and completing individualized schoolwork.

A variety of therapies, movement, meditation, mindfulness, journaling and other strategies help clients improve their skills and manage their mental health symptoms.

“Youth are able to succeed with the involvement of the families, in a safe environment, and with plenty of practice,” says Holly.

“In Lara’s case, she was committed to her wellness and would seek out supports when she needed them.”

It’s that effort and agency that made the difference for Lara.

She knew that if she wanted to get better, she had to take the initiative to use the tools she’d learned — and practice them.

“I think I had been waiting for people to fix me, but I wasn’t actually doing anything. You can’t get help unless you help yourself too,” Lara says.

She also credits her family for not giving up on her. She recounts how her mom reduced her work hours to help Lara get stronger; her dad gave her his unwavering support; her brother would persuade her to get out of bed and go on walks with him and the family dog; and her grandmother always had her back.

“I don’t know where I’d be without them. They have been the biggest supports for me through everything. For the number of times I told them to leave me alone, they never left me alone,” Lara recalls.

“And I’m glad they didn’t. They never stopped caring and showing up for me. And I’m trying to do the same for people in my life.”

These days that means accountability to her instructors and fellow students in the social work program at Red Deer Polytechnic; volunteering back with SUSD at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence; and doing a practicum with the Boys and Girls Club.

“There are a few kids there that kind of keep to themselves, but they like to hold my hand. Those are the kids I’m drawn to because I relate to them,” she explains.

Just as the staff at SUSD did with her, Lara tries to make a connection with the kids she volunteers with. So, she talks to them about school, or about their day, and the conversation may lead to the challenges they’re facing.

“They’ve started to talk about their problems without me even asking because they know I’m a safe person for them. I’ve built that connection. They’ve opened up over time and I’ve been able to listen and help.

“I can tell them, ‘I was where you are, and look at me now.’”

Step Up Step Down is a voluntary, live-in program with a high level of family participation expected to help youth succeed.

Speak with your health clinician, physician, mental health professional or school counsellor.

Application packages can be requested at susd@recoveryalberta.ca. Call 403-340-5274 (Press 2 then 3) for more information.