Everyone Needs Somewhere to Turn

It’s been a year like no other. The pandemic. The lockdown to deal with the pandemic. The crushing social injustice and inequities. The reeling economy. And then the second wave.

It’s. a. lot.

Even before the pandemic, things were rough. More than 1.6 million people in Canada already had unmet mental health care needs. There were – there are – long waitlists, harried family doctors, and expensive private treatment. The mental health system is confusing at the best of times, and the gaps in care are widening. People were already falling through the cracks.

And then there was COVID.

You’re not alone if it feels overwhelming.

Overwhelmed feels like an understatement to Maria. The pandemic is hard on her, as it is on us all.

Maria is grateful that no one in her family is sick, but her father is in a long-term care home, and she’s desperately worried about him. Maria knows she’s lucky. Some of her coworkers have been laid off, and she still has her job. But her dining room table is her office now, and it isn’t easy with the kids. She tries to keep on top of things and keep her cool, but she feels like she’s failing. She is looking for support, but a private therapist is out of reach.

The first wave depleted her, and now she’s staring down a cold, dark, challenging winter. She doesn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Then she hears about CMHA’s BounceBack.

All of a sudden, someone would have Maria’s back. She’d have a coach to help. She’d have someone in her corner.

She’d have a place to turn.

And so, Maria calls CMHA. And CMHA answers.

That’s why CMHA is here. CMHA was born at the time of the flu pandemic, a century ago. We have been building to this moment for over 100 years.

CMHA works to keep people mentally healthy in the first place. We act before mental illness, so that it doesn’t take hold. Our work is about keeping people like Maria out of crisis.

Now more than ever, we all need somewhere to turn. You can help.

Donate Now

A donation this winter will help reach one more struggling person see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks to the support of our donors, CMHA’s community-based mental health care is an antidote to a confusing and inaccessible mental healthcare system with its high costs and long waitlists.

CMHA has 330 locations across Canada, which means 330 front doors to turn to; we provide mental health programs wherever you are – we’re in your town, in your neighbourhood, in your inbox, in your social media feed, in your everyday life. Just like we’re now in Maria’s life, helping her with support and strategies to cope.

Please consider making a donation today. When it all feels like too much, your gift can give someone like Maria a place to turn.

Sincerely,

CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke