12/23/2025
Hi there,
Has anyone wished you a happy holiday today?
For so many of us, this season of merriment doesn’t just bring joy. It can also bring stress, loneliness and expectations we can’t always meet.
In fact, over half of us experience some level of stress, anxiety, isolation and depression during the holiday season.
This year, those numbers are likely to be higher as many of us face increased financial pressure due to the ongoing trade conflict.
As a social worker with frontline experience, I know the impact this has on us as individuals, on our friends, our families and communities.
CMHA National is here to make sure that when someone looks for help they have somewhere to turn. We work with the government, advocating for laws and policies that ensure that help is ready without having to wait or pay. We educate and raise awareness to help people manage stress, anxiety and depression, to take care of themselves and their communities. We also push to ensure supports that help keep people out of hospital and in recovery – like housing, income and employment – are there when people need them.
A movement of hope.
Thanks to your support, CMHA National is putting community mental health front and centre. That means securing federal investment in programs and services delivered by community, for community.
When people have a warm, safe place to live, supportive workplaces, strong connections and relationships, and a sense of belonging, their mental health improves.
Your donation this year will help CMHA National create more resources that help people feel well and cope with life’s challenges.
Your gift makes this possible. Please consider donating today.
With our shared wellness in mind, I offer you a few practical things you can do to manage holiday stress: focus on the things you can control, maintain good sleep routines, get outside, set boundaries and manage expectations from family and friends.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday,
Marion Cooper
President and Lead Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association
P.S. When you give, you are standing up for dignity, care, and justice. Please donate today and help write the next chapter, one where a right to mental health care is a reality for all.
Need Help?
If you or someone you love is struggling, please contact your local CMHA.
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgment. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
For more information, visit
Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement.
