Mental Health Awareness Week

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week 2025 was celebrated from May 5-11, 2025.  This year the theme was “There’s More to Me – Unmasking for Connection, Healing, and Hope.”

Mental health challenges are more common than we think, explains SD83 Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington. “Research shows that one in five 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, she adds.

During Mental Health Week, the Wellness Centre Community Partners for Salmon Arm Secondary and Eagle River Secondary were out in the schools sharing positive connections and having open and honest conversations around mental health and supports available to youth.

Students were able to have some fun, positive connection through an old school photobooth, as well as contribute to a community art project around different experiences with anxiety and healthy coping strategies  – CMHA, SAFE Society, Shuswap Children’s Association, 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Support Worker FASD Keyworkers, Integrated Child and Youth Team, Interior Health, BGCO, Eagle Valley Resource Centre, and some pretty popular St. John’s Ambulance therapy dogs, all came out and shared available resources and supports for youth mental health.

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. 

Our School Wellness Centres – increase collaboration with school and community resources for youth and help to both raise awareness and increase access to mental health and wellness information and supports for students.