This month in May, we observed Mental Health Week, and the national theme this year is "Unmasking Mental Health." This powerful theme encouraged us all to look beyond appearances, acknowledge that everyone experiences a full range of emotions, and create a safe space where we can truly be ourselves.

Think about it: how often do we put on a "brave face," a "happy face," or a "fine" face, even when we're feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or just not ourselves? "Unmasking" is about realizing that it's okay not to be okay, and that true strength lies in acknowledging our feelings and seeking support when we need it. It's about letting go of the pressure to always appear perfect or strong, and embracing the reality of our human experience.

At Art Smith, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. This week, we invited our entire school community to participate in various activities from chalk the walk to creating beautiful nature mandalas.

Why "Unmasking"?

• Everyone has mental health: Just like everyone has physical health, everyone has mental health. It's not something only some people deal with.
• Feelings are normal: All feelings – happy, sad, angry, worried, excited, confused – are valid and normal parts of life.
• It's brave to be real: Showing our true feelings and asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage and self-awareness.
• Connecting helps us grow: When we unmask, we allow others to truly see us, fostering deeper connections and building a more supportive community.

Resources & Activities for Every Age Group

Here are some age-appropriate ideas and resources to help facilitate conversations and activities at school and at home this week.

For Our Youngest Learners (Kindergarten - Grade 3):

At this age, "unmasking" means understanding and naming basic emotions, and recognizing that it's okay to feel them all.

• At-Home Connections:
  • Emotion Check-in: At dinner or bedtime, ask: "What was a happy moment today? What was a challenging moment? How did that feel?"
  • Play "Guess the Feeling": Make different faces and have your child guess the emotion. Then, encourage them to show you different faces.
  • Build a "Calm Down" Corner: Create a cozy space with blankets, pillows, and a few quiet activities (books, soft toys) where your child can go when feelings get too big.

For Our Middle Years Students (Grade 4 - Grade 6):

For this age group, "unmasking" involves recognizing social pressures, developing empathy, and exploring initial coping strategies.

At-Home Connections:

• Open-Ended Questions: Instead of "How was school?", try "What was something interesting that happened today?" or "Did anyone make you laugh today? Did anything frustrate you?"
• Model "Unmasking": Share your own appropriate feelings ("I had a really busy day and I feel a bit tired now," or "I was worried about [x] but I talked to [y] and feel better"). This models vulnerability.
• Identify Support Systems: Talk about who they can talk to if they're feeling overwhelmed – family, friends, teachers, school counsellor.

For Our Senior Students (Grade 7 - Grade 9):

For our older students, "unmasking" delves into self-awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for mental well-being in a more complex social landscape.

At-Home Connections:

• Active Listening: When your teen talks, put down distractions and truly listen without judgment or immediate problem-solving. Acknowledge their feelings.
• "Digital Detox" Moments: Encourage short breaks from screens to reconnect with themselves and others. Discuss how online personas can differ from real feelings.
• Discuss Coping Skills: Talk about healthy ways to manage stress, anxiety, or sadness (e.g., exercise, hobbies, mindfulness apps, reaching out to friends, setting boundaries). Avoid dismissing their feelings.
• Professional Support: Remind them that seeking help from a school counsellor, family doctor, or mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness.