Mental Health Week: How to Balance Self-Care and Your Education 

May 6-12 is Mental Health Week in Canada, an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. 

You Are Not Alone 

Millions of people struggle with mental health and mental illness every day. In Canada, one in five adults experiences mental health problems or mental illness each year.¹ You are not alone. 

Balancing everyday life and self-care can be a challenge, and that’s especially true for students who face special challenges when it comes to balancing life, work, and academics. 

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Your mental health is no different than your physical health, and just like with your physical health, you can start healthy habits to maintain your emotional well-being. Prioritize your mental health and create a plan that works for you. 

Tips for creating your own mental health plan: 

• Create a support network 
• Try journaling: start with a few minutes a day and reflect on the moments or feelings that stand out to you 
• Prioritize what’s most important to you
• Set a routine
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Get organized 
• Take care of yourself physically through exercise, sleep, and nutrition 
• Set boundaries 
• Ask for help 

Online & National Mental Health Resources 

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources. 

Other resources for help include: 

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• MyGrief.ca
• KidsGrief.ca
• YouthGrief.ca

For First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples

• Hope for Wellness Help Line
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
  • Crisis support is available to former Indian Residential School students and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-925-4419 (toll-free).
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line
  • Crisis support is available to individuals impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-844-413-6649 (toll-free).

1. CMHA National. “Fast Facts About Mental Health and Mental Illness - CMHA National,” November 17, 2021. https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/.