There’s more to me: Unmasking mental health

Mental Health Week, an annual initiative developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), is set to take place from May 5 to May 11, 2025. This year’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health,” aims to shed light on the hidden struggles faced by individuals living with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

People with mental health challenges may routinely hide their true emotions under a mask. When we mask, we hide or suppress emotions, personality traits, behaviours or symptoms from others. People mask for a lot of different reasons, but the number one driver is stigma. The pressure to mask extends to the workplace as well, where about three in four of working Canadians would not tell their leader or coworkers about their mental illnesses. 

The impacts of masking 

• It’s exhausting. Suppressing emotions takes a toll, adding stress and increasing the risk of burnout. 

• It creates disconnection. Frequent masking can lead to isolation, strained relationships, and a loss of self-identity.  

• It prevents help-seeking behaviours. Fear of judgment can stop employees from accessing the support they need.  

• It impacts the workplace. Masking contributes to unresolved stress, poor team dynamics, lower productivity, and increased turnover. 

Creating cultures that support unmasking 

A psychologically safe workplace encourages employees to bring their full selves to work. Here’s how leaders and teams can help break down stigma and foster a more accepting environment: 

• Encourage authenticity. A culture that values authenticity allows employees to be themselves rather than conform to an unrealistic ideal of what’s “normal”. 

• Lead by example. Leaders set the tone by building genuine and trusting relationships that support employees in feeling safe to unmask and seek support without fear. 

• Model vulnerability. Demonstrating vulnerability shows that seeking support is a strength, helps build trust, deepens relationships, and fosters a culture where employees feel safe unmasking their mental health challenges 

• Talk about mental health. When mental health is a regular topic of conversation, it reduces stigma and makes it easier for employees to seek support without fear of judgment. Consider The Working Mind training to build knowledge and support. 

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association 

The Working Mind – Mental Health Courses for Employees and Leaders

Monthly mental health training courses continue to be offered for employees and leaders.  The Working Mind training is designed to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and equip both employees and leaders with the tools needed to support mental health in the workplace. Requests for team training are now being accepted.  Please email your request to wellbeing@mcmaster.ca. 

 Upcoming Course Dates: 

Please visit The Working Mind website for the updated schedule and registration. Let’s continue to foster a supportive and healthy work environment together!