Mental Health Week is an annual event to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. In 2025, Mental Health Week is May 5-11 and the theme is “Unmasking Mental Health.”

What is masking?

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 people can feel.

Learn more about what masking is and why it may do more harm than good.

This Mental Health Week (May 5-11), the Canadian Mental Health Association is #UnmaskingMentalHealth.  For more information or to download the toolkit, including resources about mental health at work, visit mentalhealthweek.ca.

UFCW Canada Mental Health Survey

UFCW Members have reported that mental health disability is second only to physical pain-related disability. In addition, being a union member is crucial for securing appropriate workplace supports for mental health.

75% of all short-term disabilities, and 82% of long-term disability claims in Canada are related to mental illness. Benefits of a mentally healthy workplace include increased employee morale, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, reduced health care costs, and more.

UFCW Canada is looking to understand how our union can best support mental health in the workplace: complete the UFCW Canada Mental Health Survey today to contribute to these efforts.

The survey takes just 17 minutes to complete. All responses are kept anonymous and once completed, all respondents become eligible to enter a draw for a $50 grocery retail gift card. Survey closes on May 11, 2025.