Why Unmasking Matters and How YOU Can Help 

Apr 30, 2025

May is Mental Health Month, and this year CMHA Calgary is asking our community to join us in unmasking. Show up authentically, connect deeply, and remind one another that no one has to walk their mental health journey alone. 

Every day, many of us wear ‘masks’ — the smiles, the “I’m fine” replies, the busy schedules, to cope with the world around us. But masking our true emotions can be exhausting and isolating. At CMHA Calgary, we believe in creating spaces where it’s okay to show up exactly as you are. Mental health affects all of us, and when we unmask, we allow ourselves to heal, to be seen, and to find community. 

Unmasking is not easy — but it’s powerful. 

Astrid Cunanan shares her own experience with the courage it takes to unmask: 

“There have been so many times in my life where I buried myself in being busy — saying yes to everything, filling every spare moment, putting on the biggest smile I could manage — just to outrun the heavy feelings I was carrying inside,” says Astrid. 

“I thought if I stayed busy enough, maybe the sadness and anxiety would somehow disappear. But the truth was, the more I masked, the more disconnected and exhausted I became. It took a lot of courage (and honestly, a lot of fear too) to finally slow down, be still, and admit that I wasn’t okay.” 

“In doing so, I learned that real strength isn’t found in pretending. It’s found in letting yourself be seen, in receiving help, in feeling your feelings fully, and in talking about what you’re going through. Healing began when I stopped running from myself and started reaching out.” 

CMHA Calgary is Here for You 

This Mental Health Month, we want you to know you are never alone. 

At CMHA Calgary, we offer a range of accessible mental health supports to help you — wherever you are on your journey. Whether you’re reaching out for the first time, reconnecting with your feelings, or finding new ways to heal, we are here to walk alongside you. 

Here’s how you can connect and unmask with us throughout May and beyond: 

1. Access Programs 
   We offer a variety of programs designed for individuals and families of all ages. Whether it’s through Peer Support, Recovery College courses, YouthSMART and EQUIPPED programs, or Community Navigation, CMHA Calgary provides spaces where you can be heard, supported, and empowered to heal. 

2. Take on the Unmasking Challenge 

Help us raise awareness and show your support by taking part in our Unmasking Mental Health Challenge! Here’s how to join: 

1. Snap a photo or video of yourself “unmasking.” It can be symbolic, playful, creative, or simple — whatever feels authentic to you. 

2. Tag and challenge three friends to unmask too. 

3. Share your post on social media using #UnmaskingMentalHealthYYC and tag @CMHACalgary. 

You can also help us continue to provide vital supports by donating or starting your own fundraiser through our campaign page here! 

Have fun with it — and remember, your unmasking moment can inspire others to show up authentically too. Together, we can break the stigma and build a community where no one struggles alone. 

This Mental Health Month let’s take a step toward healing — for ourselves and for each other. Whether you choose to share your story, support a friend or family member, take on the challenge, or simply give yourself permission to be real, know that every act of unmasking matters.  

At CMHA Calgary, we believe in the strength of vulnerability and the hope that grows when we walk alongside one another. Together, let’s unmask mental health and build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.