RenéE Ferguson ~ September 27 1994- October 1 2023
"I Love You More..."
On October 1 2023, Renée Ferguson, a local Regina mother, died by suicide as a result of ongoing post partum depression/anxiety.
Her sudden passing left family and professionals wondering « what was missing? Where was the gap ». Renée was doing all the « right » things; counselling, support groups, working with medical professionals. After much consultation and assessment with family and other professionals, we found the answer, a village. As a call-to-action for perinatal mental health, we are going to open a wellness centre! Prairie Heart Counselling is sponsoring the ‘I Love You More Wellness Centre’ in hopes of bridging the gap for parents struggling with perinatal mental health.
Our vision for the centre is to have a safe, accessible and supportive space where parents may come during the day for drop-in services and be with others in similar life phases. The I Love You More Wellness Centre, will be a place of comfort for those struggling with the same darkness that Renée Ferguson went through.
Perinatal Mood of Anxiety Disorders
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD’s) are the #1 complication of birth affecting 1 in 5 moms and up to 1 in 10 of partners (increasing the risk if momma is struggling). We need this centre; we need to support our families and we need it to be accessible.
Why we need this centre
Stigma often makes asking for help incredibly difficult and that is what pushes us to continue breaking down barriers to reach more parents who might be feeling this despair, this darkness.
Meaning behind the name ‘I Love You More’
We met with Renée’s family and decided to name the center ‘I Love You More Wellness Centre‘. Every time Renée hung up the phone or ended a visit, ‘I love you’s’ were shared between family; her response was always ‘I love you more’.
The meaning for the name is simple: no matter what is happening in your world, you are loved beyond measure, loved forever and always, above your pain and intrusive thoughts; I love you more, always.
A word from the family
« We miss her more than any words can describe and we would give anything in the world to have her back. My hope with the center, is that if prevents even one person from taking their own life, I would consider it a success »