Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Mental Health Week, occurring this year from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, is an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the importance of mental health. Despite growing awareness of the importance of mental health, many continue to hide their struggles with it. In fact, recent reports from the Mental Health Commission of Canada suggest that 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labelled.1
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week, “unmasking mental health,” encourages Canadians to recognize that living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. This “mask” can, in turn, perpetuate stigma and isolation.
By having honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health, Canadians can help reduce stigma and open themselves to deeper connections.
AMAPCEO advocates for our members’ mental health
AMAPCEO has made mental health services and support a priority in the past rounds of bargaining for several units, including the Ontario Public Service. Through collective bargaining, we have been able to secure increased coverage rates for psychological services and expanded access to include psychotherapy. Our aim is to continue enhancing health benefits in the next rounds of bargaining for all units.
We encourage our members to be aware of the important support services they have access to through their Collective Agreement and their workplace benefits coverage. WorkHealthLife, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), provides our members and their family with free, immediate, and confidential support to help resolve work, health, and life challenges.
Check out our full list of health and safety resources, including resources focused on Mental Health at amapceo.on.ca/health.