Blog

After the Holidays: Making Space for Rest, Recovery, and Mental Health

January doesn’t have to mean rushing forward. Rest, recovery, and care still matter.

Halloween and Mental Illness Stigma: Choosing Costumes That Don’t Haunt Others

Halloween invites imagination, fun, and self-expression.

But it’s worth pausing to consider whether our costumes might unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes – especially about people living with mental illness.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention: A Community Responsibility

Every year in Canada, thousands of lives are lost to suicide. In 2022 alone, nearly 4,850 people died by suicide – an average of 13 lives every single day. During Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month this September, we are reminded that behind each of these numbers is a story, a family, and a community forever changed.

Beyond the Binary: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health with Pride

At CMHA North & West Vancouver, part of our commitment to “mental health for all” means creating spaces where everyone – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation – feels seen, safe, and supported.

During Pride this year, we are celebrating the vibrant, resilient, and powerful 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in our region and across the country. Pride is not only a time for visibility and joy; it’s also a reminder of how far we’ve come, and the collective effort still needed to build truly inclusive mental health systems.

How News Consumption Affects Mental Health: Finding a Balanced Approach 

In today’s fast-paced world, news spreads rapidly, often reaching us unfiltered and in real-time. This constant influx of information can be overwhelming, with distressing headlines lingering in our minds and affecting our emotional well-being. Yet, staying informed remains essential for civic responsibility and social awareness. How do we strike a balance between awareness and mental health? 

Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Supporting Those Affected by Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders are mental health conditions at their core. They are often rooted in feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or trauma. Many individuals with eating disorders experience overwhelming negative emotions about themselves, and food or body image becomes a way to cope or regain control. However, this can create a harmful cycle that exacerbates both physical and emotional distress. 

Blue Monday: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Coined as “Blue Monday,” the third Monday of January—this year, January 20, 2025—has gained notoriety as the “most depressing day of the year.” 

But what exactly is Blue Monday? And how might it connect to mental health or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Navigating Mental Health During the Holiday Season: Tips and Resources

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can also bring up complex emotions, stress, and even grief.