Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is back!Ìý
Check out the events, discussions, student collaborations, and resources to help you bring wellness into your day, every day. From therapy animals and craft nights, to yoga classes and breathework workshops, there is something for everyone. Take a little break from studying and join us for some relaxation and rejuvenation.ÌýIt’s the perfect time to make new friends, connect, relax, and prioritize your mental health!
Stay up to date on all the events happening over MHAW and get tips for taking care of your mental health by following on Instagram!Ìý
The Big 5+1 for Mental HealthÌý
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week events and programs will highlight the Big 5(+1) factors that impact mental health: restorative sleep, moving your body, nutritious eating, social connection, helping others and reducing substances.Ìý
Fitness Hall 101 and Dalplex Tours
Happening all week
Familiarize yourself with the Dalplex fitness hall in a low-stress, group setting. Learn where equipment is, how to use some items, get comfortable in the fitness hall and learn some tips and tricks from our fitness staff.Ìý
Registration opens 72 hours in advance of the session.
Fitness Hall 101: 10:30am and 2pm each day.
Dalplex Tours: March 10: 6-7pm, March 11: 2-3pm, March 14: 2-3pm
MMSC Wellness Bingo
Happening all week
Complete Big 5 +1 for Mental health Wellness activities on the virtual bingo card to be entered into a draw for prizes from Melda Murray Student Centre!Ìý
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie students free equipment rental at Dalplex. The connection between physical activity and good mental health is strong!
Not everyone enjoys a fitness class, so join us on Saturday to shoot hoops or swing a racquet! Rental items include basketballs, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles and table tennis paddles.
Students will need to leave a piece of ID in exchange for the equipment at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.ÌýIf you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will alsoÌýneed to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins.ÌýPlease check the for availability.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10:00 - 11:00am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
8:30am - 4:30pm | Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
12:00 - 1:00pm | Tupper Link, Carleton Campus
Having a mental health support system reminds us that we are not alone. Drop by to write a note of kindness and support to a friend!
No registration required.
Dal Spin Class
2:00 - 2:45pm | Dalplex
Join us for an exhilarating ride, varied with drills including hills, sprints, and tempo rides. Participants can work at their own pace by adjusting the spin bike’s resistance and intensity level. Class begins with a warmup and ends with a cool down that includes standing stretch. An overview of how to adjust seats, handlebars and resistance will be given at the beginning, and postural cueing is offered throughout class.
Registration is required. Registration opens 72 hours in advance of the class.
Mental Health Monday Night Meal & Dessert with Jack.Org Peer Mental Health Workshop
5:30 - 8:30pm | International Centre
Join the Care Crew and Counsellors for a mental health takeover of Monday Night Meal as a kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Week 2025! This evening will feature comfort foods from around the world, a dessert of fresh fruit and whipped coconut cream. You will also get to enjoy aÌýmental health workshop presented by Dal's jack.org Chapter.
No registration required.Ìý
Care Hub Coffee Cart
9:00 - 10:30am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley
Drop by the Care Hub Coffee Cart for a hot beverage and to connect with Dal Faculty and Staff! Free coffee, hot chcolate, and tea provided.Ìý
No registration required.Ìý
PAWSitive Support
1:00 - 2:00pm | Killam Library, Room 2600
Drop in to the Killam Library to enjoy some animal therapy with a furry friend, Saint Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Guiness!
No registration required.
Headstrong Dalhousie (BCI) Grawood Social
6:00 - 8:00pm | Grawood, SUB
Join Brain Changes Dalhousie for a social at the Grawood with guest speakers, lots of food, games and prizes to be won!
No registration required.Ìý
Care Hub Coffee Cart
9:00 - 11:00am | Emera Idea Building Lobby, Sexton Campus
Drop by the Care Hub Coffee Cart for a hot beverage and to connect with Dal Faculty and Staff! Free coffee, hot chcolate, and tea provided.
No registration required.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10:00 - 11:00am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
8:30am - 4:30pm | Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
12:00 - 1:00pm | Tupper Link, Carleton Campus
Having a mental health support system reminds us that we are not alone. Drop by to write a note of kindness and support to a friend!
No registration required.
PAWSitive Support
1:00 - 2:30pm | Melda Murray Student Centre
Feeling stressed? Missing your pets at home? Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? Come and join us for PAWSitive Support! Spend part of your afternoon snuggling with one of our therapy dogs!
No registration required.
Mental Health Forum
4:00 - 5:30pm | Council Chambers
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Mental Health Forum, open to all students, faculty, and staff to inspire and unite those interested in mental health and well-being for the Dalhousie community.
The Forum provides a platform for sharing ideas and collaborating on mental health-related themes, to contribute perspective on all things related to mental health and well-being, and to support each other. Facilitation of the Forum will be by the Dalhousie Student Union and Dalhousie Student Health & Wellness staff.
Theme of this Forum: A community dicsussion on what a wellbeing statement for Dalhousie should include.
No registration required. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Pots of Positivity: Plants & Paint Night
6:00 - 8:00pm |ÌýSir James Dunn Building
Join DMCRT & Stay Connected Peer Support to unwind and get creative at our pot painting night! Paint your own pot, plant something new with provided soil and seeds, and enjoy some snacks. Plant care is self-care! Relax and join us for a fun, stress-free evening!
Limited spots available. Registration required.
The Brain Repair Centre Presents: 2025 Brain Fair
10:00am - 2:00pm |ÌýLife Sciences Research Institute (LSRI) Atrium
Drop by the Brain Fair in the LSRI Atrium and explore interactive displays, scavenger hunt, read your own brain waves, brain-machine interfaces, live neuroscience experiments and hands-on activities! Special guests from the Discovery Centre and more!Ìý
Naloxone & Opioid Poisoning Response Training
12:00 - 1:30pm | Virtual
Student Health and Wellness in partnership with Nova Scotia Health Authority Take Home Naloxone Program is hosting open training for Naloxone and Opioid Poisoning Response.
This 90-minute training workshop aims to prepare participants to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning e in accordance with the Nova Scotia Health Authority Take Home Naloxone Program. Naloxone training can be added to your Co-Curricular Record.
Learning Outcomes:
- Stigma & Substance Use Disorders
- Harm Reduction
- How to Repond to Opioid Poisoning
- Good Samaritain Act
Rest & Refresh: Build Your Own Sleep Kit
2:00 - 3:30pm | Killam Library, Room 2600
Sleep helps to repair the brain!
Drop by the Killam Library Room 2600 to build your own sleep-ready kit with free self-care products, sleep masks, lavender sachet's and more! Relaxing music, colouring and a visit from Risser the therapy dog!
No registration required.
Needle Felting Workshop
5:00 - 6:00pm | Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
Join the Needle Felting Workshop hosted by Karyn Hemsworth. Beginners welcome, no experience necessary. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Craft a cute felt animal, or let your imagination take over!
Registration required.
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie students free equipment rental at Dalplex. The connection between physical activity and good mental health is strong!
Not everyone enjoys a fitness class, so join us March 14-16 to shoot hoops or swing a racquet! Rental items include basketballs, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles and table tennis paddles.
Students will need to leave a piece of ID in exchange for the equipment at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.ÌýIf you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will alsoÌýneed to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins.ÌýPlease check the for availability.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10:00 - 11:00am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
8:30am - 4:30pm | Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
12:00 - 1:00pm | Tupper Link, Carleton Campus
Having a mental health support system reminds us that we are not alone. Drop by to write a note of kindness and support to a friend!
No registration required.
Feed Your Mind: Mason Jar Meals
2:30pm | Killam Library Lobby
Come grab a nutritious ready-made mason jar meal or snacks at the Killam library lobby from 2:30 until we run out! Brought to you by HAHP Students and Dal Student Health & Wellness.
Dal Run Club: St. Patty's Day Theme
1:30pm |ÌýDal Run Club: St. Patty's Day Theme
Throw on your favourite Green run outfit and join the Dal Run Club to move your body in support of mental health, with a Saint Patty's Day theme!! All levels welcome, even if you've never run before, there will be Beginner and Advanced Pace Options.
Meet at Robie Street & University Ave at the ºÃÉ«¹È sign!
Chill AF Yoga Class @ RINSE Rstudios
6:30 - 7:15pm |ÌýR Studios
CHILL AF
Let’s get you grounded, slowed down, and stretched the F out in this Yin-style yoga class. Think passive stretch, lots of stillness and long, indulgent holds on the ground. This class will increase flexibility, mobility, range of motion and mental stamina. Leave feeling Chill AF.
Registration required.
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie students free equipment rental at Dalplex. The connection between physical activity and good mental health is strong!
Not everyone enjoys a fitness class, so join us March 14-16 to shoot hoops or swing a racquet! Rental items include basketballs, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles and table tennis paddles.
Students will need to leave a piece of ID in exchange for the equipment at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.ÌýIf you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will alsoÌýneed to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins.ÌýPlease check the for availability.
Breathework Class
1:30 - 2:00pm | Dalplex
The practice involves a mixture of simply being aware of your breath, along with structured, rhythmic breathing practices. It has various benefits including decreasing stress, improving sleep quality, increasing mindfulness, improving lung function, enhancing cognitive performance, to name a few. This is a zero-judgement and safe space, where everyone practices at their own pace, and everyone is welcome. Yoga mats will be available but please bring your own mats if you have them.
Registration is required. Registration opens 72 hours in advance of the class.
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie students free equipment rental at Dalplex. The connection between physical activity and good mental health is strong!
Not everyone enjoys a fitness class, so join us March 14-16 to shoot hoops or swing a racquet! Rental items include basketballs, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles and table tennis paddles.
Students will need to leave a piece of ID in exchange for the equipment at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.ÌýIf you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will alsoÌýneed to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins.ÌýPlease check the for availability.
Learn more about mental health and mental illness
What is mental health?
Mental Health is our emotional, psychological, and socialÌýwell-being. Good mental health is a state of well-being where a person can cope with everyday stressors while contributing meaningfully to theirÌýcommunity.ÌýMany systemic factors contribute to goodÌýmental health, such as getting out in nature or being physically active, getting enough sleep, and connecting with others. Other factors canÌýdiminish mental health, such as experiencingÌýdiscrimination, lack of access to social supports, and foodÌýand housing insecurity.
What is mental illness?
A mental illness is a medical diagnosis, just like heart disease. It involves changes in thinking, mood, and behaviour (or a combination of all three). Mental illness is associated with distress or problems functioning in daily activitiesÌýand may appear in different forms such as substance use disorders,Ìýschizophrenia, and depression.ÌýMental illness is common and treatable.Ìý
Mental health vs mental illness
Although some may use these words interchangeably, they have different meanings and should be viewed differently.ÌýA person can experience good or poor mental healthÌýwhether or notÌýthey have a diagnosed mental illness.ÌýIt is possible for someone with a mental illness to experience good mental health and someone without a mental illness to experience poor mental health.Ìý