Mental Health Week 2025: Unmasking for Connection, Healing, and Hope

28 April 2025

Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward (CMHA HPE) joins organizations across Canada in celebrating Mental Health Week from May 5-11, 2025. This year’s theme, Unmasking Mental Health, highlights the importance of shedding the “masks” many people wear to hide their mental health or substance use challenges.

The Power of Unmasking

Mental health challenges are more common than we think—1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness in any given year. Facing these struggles is tough enough, but hiding them can make it even harder. Many people feel forced to wear a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment. The longer we hide behind that mask, the heavier it becomes—and the more isolated we feel.

Embracing honesty and vulnerability allows us to form deeper connections, create understanding, and break down the barriers that make mental health struggles harder to face.

Mental Health Week and Beyond

While Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on these conversations, the need to unmask mental health continues year-round. We must create spaces where individuals feel safe to be seen and heard, without fear of judgment. Unmasking mental health is not just about opening up during this week, but about building ongoing, supportive environments that encourage openness and understanding every day of the year.

Upcoming Events and Community Visits

During Mental Health Week, we will be out in the community, sharing resources about unmasking and available programs and services:

• April 30: Gateway Community Health Centre (41 McClellan Street, Tweed), 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• April 30: Community and Service Fair, Loyalist College (376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road, Belleville), 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• May 5: Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre (161 Bridge Street West, Belleville), 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Learn more about this event (Pdf)
• May 6: YourSpace (168 Hastings Street, Bancroft), 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• May 7: Unmasking Substance Use Event, Belleville Public Library (254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville), 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
• May 10: Community Connections Expo, Quinte West City Hall (7 Creswell Drive, Trenton), 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Unmasking Mental Health Resources

To deepen your understanding of unmasking mental health, explore the resources below. We encourage you to share them within your organization to help raise awareness and foster meaningful conversations.

• What is Masking (Pdf)
• Effects of Masking (Pdf)
• What Masking Looks Like (Pdf)
• Unmasking in the Workplace (Pdf)
• Teacher Toolkit (Pdf)
• Unmasking Journal Activity (Pdf)
• Mental Health Week poster (Pdf)

Mental Health Week is an important reminder that mental health and substance use challenges can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or life circumstances. It’s a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and encourage open conversations about what it really means to be mentally healthy. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to access help. You are not alone, and support is always available.

Reach out for help today:

• AccessMHA.ca – web-based intake platform for eastern Ontario’s mental health and addictions system
• Crisis Intervention Centre – Call 613-969-7400, extension 12753 for support 24-7
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call or text 9-8-8 for support 24-7