This year’s Mental Health Week theme, Unmasking Mental Health, encourages us to bring greater awareness and understanding to mental health struggles.

Too often, we hide our mental health challenges, making it harder for us to seek the support we need. By acknowledging the realities of mental health, we can break down these barriers and create a more supportive and compassionate environment for all.

From May 5 to 11, 2025, join us in celebrating Mental Health Week by unmasking the stigma and starting meaningful conversations about mental health in our classrooms and communities.

This week is also Catholic Education Week, and as we reflect on its theme, Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that, regardless of the difficulties we may be experiencing, hope for every one of us remains steadfast through God’s love. When we unmask mental health, we acknowledge the reality of our struggles, reignite our flames of hope, and open ourselves to the opportunity for healing, growth, and connection.

For Mental Health Week, R.I.S.E, St. Joseph-Scollard Catholic Secondary School’s (SJSH) mental health education and advocacy group, is partnering with The Work Shoppe to facilitate mental health activities for SJSH students designed to encourage learners to unmask mental health together as a school community:

• Unmasking Mental Health Through Art (Tuesday, May 6): Students will design a mask that expresses who they are, as they reflect on the things they keep hidden.
• Youth Services Fair (Thursday, May 8): Students will have the chance to browse various service provider booths to explore local agencies that offer mental health services, leisure activities, and volunteer opportunities.

We invite you to take a look at the calendar below to discover local Mental Health Week activities hosted in partnership with the Mental Health Association of North Bay and District, as well as www.mentalhealthweek.ca for additional resources and ideas on how you can participate.