Mental Health Awareness Week takes place throughout Canada next week.

Jen Whalen, the Mental Health Promotions Specialist for the Northern Health Region, explains the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week which is “Unmasking Mental Health.”

“Masking is hiding or suppressing something about yourself. That could be your emotions or some symptoms you might be experiencing and it’s something that people do to cope and to stay safe and fit in. Sometimes people do it and don’t even realize they are doing it.”

Whalen says people wear their mask and say they are fine and doing well when they may be struggling with their mental health.

Reasons for doing so include fear of losing their job, their housing or even their friends.

The NHR has partnered up with the Canadian Mental Health Association to bring free activities to the community next week.

The calendar of events can be found at the CMHA office at 43 Fox Bay or by calling 204-677-6051.