This Mental Health Week, CMHA is “Unmasking Mental Health” to break down barriers, challenge stigma and support open conversations
(Winnipeg, Manitoba), May 2, 2025 – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Manitoba and Winnipeg is proud to announce the theme for this year’s Mental Health Week, taking place May 5-11, 2025: “Unmasking Mental Health.” As part of its 74th annual campaign, CMHA aims to raise awareness about the significant impact that masking can have on mental health, relationships, and well-being.
Masking is when we hide or suppress emotions, personality traits, behaviours, or symptoms from others.
“People often mask symptoms of mental illness, sometimes without even realizing it, as a way to cope,” said Marion Cooper, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg CEO. “The leading reason people hide their symptoms is stigma, which continues to prevent many from seeking the support they need.”
Masking prevents people from forming authentic relationships and could even begin to affect how they see themselves. A 2022 survey from Mental Health Commission of Canada found that 72% of those with mental health or substance use disorders reported serious self-stigma, which had negative impacts on their self-perceptions, including self-esteem.[1]
“Unmasking can help us form deeper connections and our boost self-esteem, which supports good mental health,” said Cooper. “Our vulnerability can inspire others to be open and honest about their mental health, creating a ripple effect that fosters greater understanding and empathy in communities.”
Creating a safe and compassionate space for real conversations about mental health is essential. It allows people to seek support without fear of shame or judgment, exactly when they need it most.
May 5-11 marks CMHA’s 74th Mental Health Week. This year’s theme “Unmasking Mental Health” encourages people to unmask the truth about mental health, while breaking down barriers, challenging stigma, and supporting open conversations. To get involved, you can:
- Attend a CMHA Across Manitoba Mental Health Week event including courses and activities in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Swan River, The Pas and Thompson. On May 7, join us for the launch of Love Notes—a mental health campaign. On May 8, attend a gala fundraiser Red Threads – Honouring Voices, Inspiring Change.
- Download the toolkit: Visit mentalhealthweek.ca for social media graphics and resources.
- Share the content and your support on social media using the hashtags #UnmaskingMentalHealth and #MentalHealthWeek.
- Start a conversation: By #UnmaskingMentalHealth through open and honest conversations we break down barriers so people can get the help they need when they need it.
- Donate to support CMHA mental health programs and services at https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/donate
- Connect. If you or someone you love is struggling, please contact CMHA. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, call or text 9-8-8 for free, 24/7 crisis support.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that provides advocacy and resources that aim to help prevent mental health and substance use health problems, support recovery and resilience and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
At CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg we serve as the Provincial Divisional office and a Branch serving multiple communities across the province. Through our family of over 79 local, provincial, and national organizations across Canada including three branches and over 13 offices/locations across Manitoba, CMHA is uniquely positioned in Canada to shift attitudes and beliefs and create a climate of empathy, understanding and action around mental health. This is our collective power as a federation.
[1] https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Anti-stigma-Research-Backgrounder.pdf
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For media inquiries:
Kristen Lucyshyn, Communications and Marketing Lead
CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg
Email: klucyshyn@cmhawpg.mb.ca Phone: 204-982-6104
