Mental Health Week

During the first week of May, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognizes Mental Health Week. The theme for 2025 is 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 judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.

Between May 5-11, 2025, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. Learn more about Mental Health Week at the CMHA website.

CMHA Mental Health Week Unmasking Journal Activity 1

A great way to care for your child’s mental health is to focus on social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning is how we develop skills to support our mental health and success through life. Social-emotional learning skills help us:  

  • Manage stress 
  • Identify our emotions
  • Stay positive and keep moving forward
  • Nurture relationships
  • Know and feel good about ourselves
  • Plan and problem-solve 

Find all activities and strategies for social-emotional learning at the School Mental Health Ontario website.

What can you do as an Intermediate or Secondary student to take care of yourself? Taking care of your mental health is equally as important as taking care of your physical health. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Focus on healthy habits and routines. Some of the things we do for our physical health, like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and minimizing screen time, are good for our mental health.
  • Do things you enjoy as much as you can. Play sports, video games, pick up a musical instrument or draw. Even if you aren’t leaving your house much, perhaps there’s a hobby you used to really like that you could try again. 
  • Notice the good things. Look for the positives each day, even in situations that might seem negative.
  • Stay connected. Chat with your family members. Call a friend for a video chat or plan a day to hang out.

For more specific strategies and exercises, check out the School Mental Health Ontario website.

Mental Health Resources

BWell

School Mental Health Ontario