Mental Health Week 2025

10:15am - 10:35am How to Assemble a Health Squad
In this 25-minute workshop we will talk about different types of medical and non-medical support services that you can access to support your mental and physical health (and how to access them when you don’t have any money).

12:10pm - 12:30pm Unmasking Mental Health
The 2025 theme for Mental Health week is Unmasking Mental Health, but what does this mean? Join us while we pose some questions for reflection about masking and unmasking all while we colour our own masks. You will need to print off a mask template (here is an example Printable mask) grab some art supplies like felt pens, pencil crayons, paints, or decorations, and bring your creativity.

3:15pm - 3:35pm   5-4-3-2-1 Grounding techniques
Let’s be real—life can feel a lot sometimes. Between work, relationships, and the curveballs life throws our way, stress and anxiety can sneak in before we even notice. That’s where grounding techniques come in. These simple practices help pull your focus away from the swirl of "what-ifs" and back into the present moment. They're great for calming that fight-or-flight feeling and giving your nervous system a much-needed reset.

10:15am - 12:15pm Medicine Walk - Peace River Campus
Come join Elder Priscilla and Sharon Krushel (Author of the Mother Earth Book) for a walk in the Peace River hills where we will discover many flowers, plants, trees and other amazing gifts from the earth. You can also learn some traditional and main stream names of our medicines. Bring your camera and enjoy the views of the land.

Meeting point: Meet at the Off-Leash Dog Park at the end of 99th Street in Peace River between 10 and 10:15am.
Please note: Participants are joining this nature walk at their own risk and are responsible for their own health and safety throughout the activity. The walk is designed for individuals with a low to moderate level of fitness and may include uneven terrain, inclines, and varying weather conditions. Please ensure that you are physically capable of completing the walk and take all necessary precautions, including wearing appropriate footwear and bringing water. By participating, you acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for your safety and well-being during the walk.

10:15am - 10:35am Supporting someone with Mental Health Challenges
If you have a friend or family member struggling with a mental health issue, you know how difficult it can be to find the right words to say. Often times, we are afraid to say the wrong thing and instead choose to say nothing at all but simply showing how much you care can make a big difference. Join us as we seek ways to support those who are on a mental health journey. 

12:15pm - 12:35pm Positive Activities
Why are they important? Regular positive activities:
-help us feel more connected to ourselves, our values, and others.
-increase our sense of hope, meaning and purpose.
-improve our physical and emotional health.

3:15pm -3:35pm Kahoot - Learn how to emotionally prepare yourself for an emergency or disaster crisis.
This session will utilize a online game platform to emotionally prepare yourself for an emergency or disaster during times of crisis. Kahoot is an online game that is played with a computer and mobile device. 

10:15am -10:35am Mindfulness & Guided Meditation
Learn to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgement through mindful meditation. It can help you focus on the here and now; slow down your thoughts and clear your mind. Other benefits of mindful meditation include: reduces stress, lowers heartrate, improves immunity and a get better night’s sleep. There will be a short guided meditation and all you will need is a comfortable place to sit and to focus on breathing.

12:10pm - 12:40pm Workout
Join us in person in the NLC Slave Lake gym or virtually from your home or office.

3:15pm - 3:35pm Declutter your mind
When our world is full of stress, worries, projects, errands, emotions and expectations to meet we probably endure a mind full of clutter and chaos. An overloaded mind prevents us from focusing on anything in particularly.  This session will provide you with some strategies to declutter your mind and approach your day with a proactive and focused mindset.

10:15am -10:35am Stretch and Mobility
Take a moment to breathe and move, easing tension from long study sessions or demanding workloads. Stretch and explore a variety of movements to improve circulation, body awareness, and mobility. This break is perfect for your mental health; it will help you release stress and make you feel energized. 

12:10pm - 12:35pm Helpful Thinking
Why is this important? Improving our helpful thinking skills can:
-increase our confidence in coping with stressors.
-improve our mood.
-reduce the intensity of our reactions. 

3:15pm -3:35pm Rewarding Relationships
Today more than ever we long for connection, we all need rewarding relationships in our lives. Many studies reveal what brings joy and happiness to all our lives and it is rewarding relationships. No matter our age or gender we all have a longing for belonging. Join us as we talk about Rewarding Relationships. 

10:15am -10:35am The Benefits of Water and "Blue Space"
Researchers are finding that spending time in "Blue Space" has been linked to numerous mental and physical benefits. Join this session to find out more.

12:10pm - 12:35pm Managing Reactions
The goal of Managing Reactions is to help increase our ability to cope with change, build resilience and improve our overall well-being. Physical and emotional reactions happen as life stressors occur.
Having confidence that we can effectively manage our emotions is important to:
-help protect our well-being
-maintain our healthy connections
-make effective decisions
-respond to stressors in healthy ways