Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is back!

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. It’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 @DalStudentHealth on Instagram!

The Big 5+1 for Mental Health

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.

Learn more about the Big 5+1 for mental health

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.

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!

Play bingo

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. If you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will also need to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins. Please check the basketball court schedule for availability.

Book a court!

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 a mental health workshop presented by Dal's jack.org Chapter.

No registration required.

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.

No registration required.

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.

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 | Sir 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 | Life 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!

Learn more

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.

Book a court!

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 | Dal 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 Dalhousie University sign!

Chill AF Yoga Class @ RINSE Rstudios

6:30 - 7:15pm | R 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!

Book a court!

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!

Book a court!

Learn more about mental health and mental illness

What is mental health?
Mental Health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Good mental health is a state of well-being where a person can cope with everyday stressors while contributing meaningfully to their community. Many systemic factors contribute to good mental health, such as getting out in nature or being physically active, getting enough sleep, and connecting with others. Other factors can diminish mental health, such as experiencing discrimination, lack of access to social supports, and food and 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 activities and may appear in different forms such as substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. Mental illness is common and treatable.

Mental health vs mental illness
Although some may use these words interchangeably, they have different meanings and should be viewed differently. A person can experience good or poor mental health whether or not they have a diagnosed mental illness. It is possible for someone with a mental illness to experience good mental health and someone without a mental illness to experience poor mental health.