Unmasking Mental Health: Building a Stronger, Healthier Community

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. From May 5 to 9, BCHS is proud to celebrate Mental Health Week, focusing on this year's theme: Unmasking Mental Health.

For a long time, many people, including both teens and adults, have felt the need to "mask" their mental health struggles. They smile, push through the day, and hide what they are truly feeling inside, often because they fear judgment or misunderstanding.

This month, we are encouraging our BCHS community to take a brave step by unmasking mental health. We want to start honest conversations, show vulnerability, and remind one another that mental health is health.

Why Unmasking Mental Health Matters

Reduces Stigma: Talking openly about mental health helps challenge old myths and removes shame.

Fosters Connection: Sharing struggles allows teens and parents to feel less alone and build stronger relationships.

Promotes Early Support: When concerns are voiced early, families can access help before challenges grow bigger.

Strengthens Resilience: Facing mental health challenges openly builds important coping skills that are valuable throughout life. When people hide their feelings, they carry a heavier emotional burden. 

Unmasking creates safe spaces in our homes, schools, and communities where it is okay to not be okay. It also reinforces that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

What Parents and Teens Can Do

For Parents:

• Normalize conversations about feelings by checking in regularly, not only when something seems wrong.
• Share your own experiences when appropriate because vulnerability from adults makes it safer for teens to open up.
• Focus on listening first without rushing into advice unless it is asked for.
  Remind your teen that mental health challenges are common and treat them like any other health issue.

For Teens:

• Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, a friend, or a counsellor. You do not have to go through it alone.
• Remember that struggling does not make you weak. It makes you human.
• Advocate for yourself. It is okay to ask for time, support, and mental health days when needed.

Mental Health Resources for Alberta Teens and Families

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Alberta Division
Supports, resources, and local programs focused on mental health in Alberta.
Visit CMHA

Mental Health HelpLine (available 24/7, free and confidential)
Call 1-877-303-2642. This service is available to all Albertans.

Kids Help Phone (for teens and young adults)
Phone 1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868
Live chat also available online.
Visit Kids Help Phone

211 Alberta
Free, 24/7 information and referral line connecting you to mental health services, counselling, and crisis support.
Visit 211 Alberta

Togetherall
A free online, peer-to-peer mental health support community for Canadians aged 16 and older.
Visit Togetherall

Access Mental Health (Alberta Health Services)
A free service that helps connect individuals with mental health supports in Alberta.
Call 1-844-943-1500 for the Edmonton Zone or visit the Access Mental Health page online.
Visit Access Mental Health

BCHS Mental Health Week Activities

During the week of May 5 to 9, BCHS students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special activities, including:

• Wellness Workshops:
• Monday, May 5th: Unmasking Art Project with Successful Families Successful Kids.
• Tuesday, May 6th: Button-Making with The Hive
• Wednesday, May 7th: Journal Decorating with Stepping Stones Crisis Society
• Thursday, May 8th: Neurographic Art Therapy with Mrs. Gertz-Cummins
• Friday, May 9th: Mental Health Scavenger Hunt for Prizes.
  
  
• Also on Wednesday, May 7th we will be wearing hats for Hats On! For Mental Health. 
• Red Dress Day, recognized across Canada on May 5, is a day to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The red dresses symbolize the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have been taken through violence and whose families and communities continue to seek justice. This day is an important opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the systemic issues that contribute to this national tragedy, including racism, colonialism, and gender-based violence. By recognizing Red Dress Day, we are standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities, raising awareness, and committing to action for change.
  At BCHS, we recognize Red Dress Day as part of our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous Peoples.

We invite all families to join us by starting conversations at home and checking in with one another. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and heard.

Remember: It is okay to ask for help. It is okay to show your real feelings. Unmasking is the first step toward healing.

If you have questions, concerns, or want to connect with BCHS’ Student Advocacy Counsellor, you can email  jenn.perepelitza@nlsd.ab.ca or call 780-826-3366.