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Emergency Department

Unmasking Mental Health | Mental Health Week May 5-11

three people having a conversation.

Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking those struggles can make it even harder. Struggling with poor mental health or an addiction 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. We often feel like we have to hide our struggles—at work, online, even with loved ones. We’re afraid to open up and be honest with our struggles, because we don’t want to appear weak, or we fear the judgment and misunderstandings that might result. But constant masking can be draining and isolating, which in turn can often make things worse. It can also be a barrier to reaching out for support. Almost 1 in 5 Canadians who need mental health support don’t reach out because they were uncomfortable talking about their struggles.

This May 5-11, Canadians are called to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. We all experience ups and downs in our mental health, and each person’s mental health is affected by unique situations and experiences.  There is no “normal”. 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.

This year, a number of special events have been planned in the region to highlight mental health and the ways we can work to unmask it and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges. Check out the list below to see what’s happening this Mental Health Week (May 5-11) in your area:

  • Dauphin:
    • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Parkview Lodge lounge (29 2nd Ave. NE), in the back room, on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.
  • Roblin:
    • The Roblin HERO Club will be leading a community awareness walk on Wednesday, May 7, with refreshments. The walk will start from the HERO Club (146 Main St.) at 1:00 pm.
    • The Roblin HERO Club will be holding a Hamburger sale at noon at the Co-op Store on Friday, May 9.
  • Swan River:
    • The Canadian Mental Health Association will have a display set up Wednesday, May 7 at the community booth in the Swan Valley Co-op food store. Drop by to pick up information on mental health and chat with a CMHA representative.
    • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Swan River Library on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.