Dear Friends, Colleagues, Service Users, and Supporters,

As the holiday season gently unfolds and we pause to reflect on the year that’s winding down, all of us at the Critical Psychiatry Network want to send our heartfelt wishes for a truly peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and renewal in 2026.

We know this time can be a beautiful tapestry of joy, warmth, and cherished connections for some, yet for others it might stir feelings of loneliness, quiet sorrow, or the weight of unspoken pressures: perhaps from family gatherings, societal norms, or the deeper challenges life throws our way.

In these moments, we’re reminded that mental and emotional struggles don’t simply fade amid the festivities; they deserve our attention and understanding.

Our hearts go out to those navigating these paths, and we stand with you in solidarity.

Rooted in the essence of critical psychiatry, we hold dear our shared vision of care that cherishes human connections, honours personal stories, and seeks justice in a world that often overlooks the social roots of distress.

We are passionate about fostering the spaces where coercion gives way to compassion, where alternatives to medication are explored with openness, and where every individual’s voice is truly heard.

We are deeply grateful for the inspiring conversations, the brave collaborations, and the quiet acts of resilience that define our community.

Each of you – whether sharing your lived experiences, challenging conventional paradigms, or simply offering a listening ear – makes this network a beacon of humanity in mental health.

Your contributions touch us profoundly and fuel our collective journey toward a more empathetic world.

May the year ahead bring moments of quiet reflection, unbreakable bonds of support, and meaningful steps toward healing and change for all.

With warmth and gratitude,

Evgeny Legedin, Joanna Moncrieff, and Margreet Peutz

on behalf of The Critical Psychiatry Network