Mental Health Week is here, and this year’s theme, “Unmasking,” invites us to reflect on how we show up in the world and what we might be holding beneath the surface.
Often, the most powerful stories are the ones we hide. This week, we’re sharing one such story from someone who has unmasked his truth and embraced the journey of recovery with courage and heart.
Unmasking with Emmanuel: A story of recovery and resilience
As part of Mental Health Week, we’re honoured to share the story of Emmanuel, a former resident of our Supportive Housing Program at CMHA NWV. His journey is one of courage, healing, and rediscovery — a powerful reminder of what can happen when someone is given the stability and support they need to thrive.
At CMHA NWV, our Supportive Housing Program offers more than a roof over someone’s head. It’s a home base for recovery, where individuals are supported by 24/7 staff, connected to counselling and peer support, and encouraged to build essential life skills like cooking, budgeting, and routine-building. Every resident is met with dignity and compassion and supported in navigating their own unique path forward.
Through Emmanuel’s reflections in this video, you’ll hear what “unmasking” means to him, how housing has helped him reclaim his life, and the hopes he holds for the future. His story is a glimpse into the everyday resilience that often goes unseen, and a celebration of what becomes possible when someone finally feels safe, seen, and supported.
Reflect with us: Unmasking together
As we honour Mental Health Week, we invite you to pause and reflect on your own experience. In what ways do you mask or unmask when it comes to your mental health? Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.
We’ve created a short, anonymous three-question survey to learn more about how people in our community are navigating mental health and authenticity. Your responses will help us better understand the realities of unmasking and how we can continue building a more open, supportive, and mentally healthy community together.
If you’re curious about what masking really means when it comes to mental health, we’ve gathered a few trusted resources to help you explore the concept. Learn how masking and unmasking can affect well-being, how both can show up in workplaces, and how embracing our full, authentic selves can be a powerful step toward healing.
Engage with us further
If you felt inspired by Emmanuel’s story and the strength it took to share his journey, we welcome you to join us in deepening this impact. There are many ways to get involved:
You can make a one-time or monthly donation to help us continue offering vital programs like our Counselling, Outreach, Steps Youth, Social Support Groups & Peer Navigation, Supportive Housing and Community-Led Crisis Response (CRCL) services. Every contribution helps create safe spaces where people can be seen, supported, and empowered on their healing paths.
You can also take time to learn more about our services at the links above, or simply share Emmanuel’s story to help spread the message of hope, resilience, and recovery.
Thank you
Thank you for being part of a movement to unmask, destigmatize, and support mental health on the North Shore. We’re honoured to be in community with people who are willing to look beyond the mask, to witness not just the struggle, but the strength and humanity beneath it.
Real connection and healing begin when we have the courage to set down our masks, to believe we are worthy of love and support exactly as we are — and to remind one another of that truth. When we meet each other with honesty and compassion, we break down stigma and make space for real connection and deeper belonging.
Together, we can build a future where mental health is no longer hidden and where everyone can feel safe to be fully seen.
