Access Alliance Arts for Family Health
Unmasking mental health: Seeing the whole person
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough. Masking can make it even harder. Many people feel forced to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment, stigma, and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier that mask becomes—and the more isolated we feel.
From May 5–11, we’re inviting people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connection, understanding, and the mental health benefits that come with being truly seen. Together, we can create a ripple effect of courage, compassion, and change.
Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing daily reflections as part of #UnmaskingMentalHealth. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to learn more, share your voice, and support one another.
Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll be exploring this week:
Smiling through pain is common for many newcomers facing both individual and collective grief—the loss of homeland, identity, and connection. Let’s look past the “mask” and see the whole person.
Collective grief doesn’t disappear; it lingers in silence and in what’s left behind. Let’s make space for that mourning.
Grief and joy can live side by side. What does it mean to carry both at once?
Grief isn’t only about people—it can be about lost culture, language, and identity. Even when unspoken, your grief is real.
Collective healing begins with recognition. Newcomers don’t just need support—they need to be seen.
Access Alliance’s mental health services focus on supporting Toronto’s most vulnerable residents, including immigrants, newcomers, refugees, non-status individuals, and their communities. We provide inclusive care for youth, couples, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers.
We support individuals referred with a mental health diagnosis, as well as those experiencing challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. Counselling services are currently available to Access Alliance clients who are connected with one of our primary health care providers.
We recognize that reading or talking about mental health can be difficult. If you are not a registered Access Alliance client or do not have a primary health care provider, additional support is available:
Mental health resources within the City of Toronto 2021 (PDF, 85 KB)
Mental health drop-in resources available to youth 2020 (PDF, 72 KB)
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 211 for immediate support.
This week, and every week, let’s work together to unmask mental health, reduce stigma, and ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
