Mental Health Week 2025: 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.

This Mental Health Week (May 5–11), we’re encouraging people to look beyond the surface. It’s time to truly see each other—not just the roles we play or the faces we show, but the full, complex, courageous people we are underneath.

When we shed our masks and allow others to do the same, we unlock something powerful: connection. Being real with each other—whether that means sharing a struggle, asking for help, or just saying “I’m not okay”—fosters a sense of belonging. It boosts our self-esteem. And most importantly, it supports our mental well-being.

“Unmasking isn’t just a personal decision—it’s a social responsibility. For someone to remove their mask, they need to feel safe, seen, and accepted, says Helen Fishburn, CEO CMHA Waterloo Wellington. True safety doesn’t exist in environments that demand perfection, deny emotional realities, or punish vulnerability. If we want a world where people feel free to be themselves, it starts with all of us.”

Here’s how we can help others unmask:

• Fight stigma: Talk openly about mental health and substance use. Normalize different experiences.
• Lead by example: Share your own vulnerabilities to help others feel less alone.
• Ask twice: Don’t settle for “I’m fine.” A second check-in can make all the difference.
• Make space for feelings: Create environments—at work, home, and beyond—where emotions are welcome, not silenced.

In celebration of Mental Health Week, join us on Saturday May 10^th for the Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women in support of CMHA Waterloo Wellington at Conestoga College – Doon Campus. Step up for women’s mental health! Run or walk in this year’s 5K or 10K and make a difference in your community. This is family-friendly event with a 1K little steps for children under 12 and a children’s activity area!

We’re excited to announce that local country music singer Angelica Appleman will be this year’s Waterloo Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women spokesperson!

Angelica and her sister will perform her heartfelt song “Finding My Feet” at the event. She’ll also share her personal story of overcoming mental health challenges and how the theme of Together in the Journey has helped her find strength and resilience.

“In one of my most difficult moments, the compassionate support of CMHA Waterloo Wellington—changed everything. They guided not only me but also my family through that challenging time, and their impact is something I’ll carry with me forever. That’s why I’m passionate about raising awareness for mental health and why the Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women means so much to me. It represents resilience, community, and the reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, we don’t have to go through it alone. It’s like my song Finding My Feet, which I wrote after my accident—about holding onto hope and taking one step at a time, even when the road is tough,” says Angelica Appleman.

Join us for an inspiring day of community, connection, and music that moves us.

When you participate in the Shoppers Drug Mart^® Run for Women – Waterloo you are telling the women in your life and community they are not alone, recovery is possible and we’re in this together. This is the perfect time to ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbours to join you at the Shoppers Run for Women!

If you cannot join us on May 10^th, please consider a donation.