CMHA Mental Health Week 2025: May 5–11

Apr 16, 2025

#UnmaskingMentalHealth #MentalHealthWeek

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 judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.

This Mental Health Week (May 5-11), we’re encouraging 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.

Every May, since 1951, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has designated the first week of the month as Mental Health Week. This week encourages Canadians in communities, schools, workplaces, and legislatures to rally together to promote mental health awareness, education, and support. The goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues, encourage open conversations, and highlight available resources. 

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)’s Mental Health Week is an annual social change campaign aimed at shifting attitudes and perceptions about mental health.

First introduced by CMHA in 1951, 2025 marks the 74th annual Mental Health Week in Canada. Mental Health Week is all about educating the public and breaking the stigma about mental health and mental illness. It helps promote behaviours and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health and create a culture of understanding and
acceptance.

Each May, people in communities across Canada, including schools, clubs, and workplaces, rally around Mental Health Week. Join us! Visit mentalhealthweek.ca for information and resources today.

About CMHA National: Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. With one national office, 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches/regions, we provide services and supports to over 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers. Learn more: CMHA.ca

About CMHA Ottawa: The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa), is an independent, community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. CMHA Ottawa is dedicated to promoting good mental health, developing and implementing sustainable support systems and services, and encouraging public action to strengthen community mental health services and related policies and legislation.