WHO IS THE CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) AND WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH WEEK?
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established and extensive community mental health federation in Canada.
Every May for the last 73 years, people across Canada have joined CMHA’s annual Mental Health Week, a national public campaign to educate people in Canada. Mental Health Week shifts perceptions and attitudes about mental health to create more acceptance and understanding.
THIS YEAR’S THEME: UNMASKING MENTAL HEALTH
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK Mental Health Week typically occurs during the first full week of May. This year, Mental Health Week is May 5–May 11, 2025.
Campaign goals:
•Raise awareness: Help people understand mental health and mental illnesses and provide practical tips for taking care of mental health.
•Encourage conversation: Empower people to have open discussions about mental health that influence norms, beliefs, and behaviors while addressing stereotypes, misconceptions, and misinformation.
•Provide resources: Share downloadable resources about mental health so others can take part in meaningful social change.
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
This May 5-11, we will encourage people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.