Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Drop in or register for a wide range of FREE and FUN events, brought to you through faculty and student partnerships!
Throughout the week, connect with the campus community and find simple ways to bring wellness into your day—every day.Ìý
From therapy animals and terrarium building to coffee and treats and aÌýHappy Day CarnivalÌýwith a bouncy castle and more - there’s something for everyone.
January can be tough, and we could all use a little extra joy. This is your chance to relax, have fun, make new connections, and prioritize your mental health in many welcoming, supportive spaces.
Stay up to date on everything happening during Mental Health Awareness Week—and get tips for caring for your mental health—by followingÌýÌýÌýon Instagram.
Free Sports Equipment Rentals at Dalplex
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Ä¢¹½AV students free equipment rental at Dalplex. The connection between physical activity and good mental health is strong!
Not everyone enjoys a fitness class, so join us on Saturday to shoot hoops or swing a racquet! Rental items include basketballs, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles and table tennis paddles.
Students will need to leave a piece of ID in exchange for the equipment at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.ÌýIf you are looking to play a racquet sport, you will alsoÌýneed to book a court. Basketball courts are available for drop-ins.ÌýPlease check theÌýÌýfor availability.
MESC Sensory Room
A/B Building, Room A109, Sexton Campus
Our sensory room is a safe space designed for both movement and calmness.
Room darkening drapes, and lowÌýlighting offer a quiet place to study withÌýno distractions. We have noise-cancelling headphones as well! A soft area rug, bean bag chair,Ìýweighted blanket, and cushy pillowsÌýgive the room added coziness. A stability call, yoga mat, and yoga blockÌýare also here for use.
Opened in October 2025, this room is available to students, faculty, and staff to use (one-hour intervals) during MESC business hours:Ìý
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Coffee Cart with DMCRT
9 – 11 a.m. | Killam Library
Drop by the Care Hub Coffee Cart Ìýin the Killam Library lobby from 9:00am- 11:00am for a hot beverage and to connect with DMCRT and Student Health Care Crew! Free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea provided!
Dalplex Fitness Hall 101
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Dalplex
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Dalplex
Familiarize yourself with the Dalplex fitness hall in a low-stress, group setting. Learn where equipment is, how to use some items, get comfortable in the fitness hall and learn some tips and tricks from our fitness staff.Ìý
Registration required and opens 72 hours in advance of the session.
Monday Night Meal & Mental Health Awareness Kickoff
5:30 - 7 p.m. | International Centre
Join the team from Student Health & Wellness for a takeover of Monday Night Meal, kicking off Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!
Comfort foods from around the world will be on the menu, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with our amazing healthcare team in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
No registration required.Ìý
Dalplex Women's Only Time - Training Studio
6 – 8 p.m. | Dalplex
The Dalplex Training Studio will be reserved for women (and those who identify as women) only during this time. Feel free to drop in to this space at any time during these hours for your workout! Sunday / Monday / Wednesday all semester!
Dalplex Fitness Hall 101
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Dalplex
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Dalplex
Familiarize yourself with the Dalplex fitness hall in a low-stress, group setting. Learn where equipment is, how to use some items, get comfortable in the fitness hall and learn some tips and tricks from our fitness staff.Ìý
Registration required and opens 72 hours in advance of the session.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
Having mental health support systems builds community and reminds us we are not alone. Pick up a positive note to keep or write one for someone else!
No registration required.
Happy Day Carnival
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | McInnes Room, Student Union Building
Combat Blue Monday with a Tuesday Happy Day! Drop by the McInnis Room for a full day of FREE carnival vibes: play games, jump in a bouncy castle, eat some popcorn and cotton candy and so much more!
Entertainment Schedule:
Sketch Artist - 12pm-3pm
Magician - 3:30pm-5:30pm
Carnival Games including mini putt, axe throwing and more & a Bouncy Castle - All Day Long!
Mental Health Campus Support Booths - All Day Long!
Use your Happy Day passport to drop by the booths run by Good2Talk, Healthy Minds NS, StudentVIP Insurance, Care Crew, DSU Sexual Education Resource Centre & more for a chance to win an iPad!
Drop-in any time from 11am-7pm!
No registration required.Ìý
Dalplex Building Tours
1 p.m. | Dalplex
Get a friendly tour of Dalplex from the Dal Athletics staff!Ìý
As one of Halifax’s largest athletic facilities, we’re proud to be able to offer a number of activities and services to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.Ìý
Join us for a free tour to help get your started!
Tours will start at the Client Experience Centre in the Dalplex lobby.
Drop-in, no registration required.
Dal Run Club: Mental Health Awareness Week Run!
6:30 p.m. | Ä¢¹½AV sign, Robie Street & University Avenue
Join the Dal Run Club to move your body for mental health awareness week! All levels welcome, even if you've never run before, there will be Beginner and Advanced Pace Options.
Meet at Robie Street Ìý& University Ave at the Ä¢¹½AV sign!
No registration required.Ìý
*DalRunClub asks you sign their waiver.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10 – 11 a.m. |ÌýTupper Link, Carleton Campus
Having a mental health support system reminds us that we are not alone. Drop by to write a note of kindness and support to a friend!
No registration required.
Dalplex Fitness Hall 101
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Dalplex
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Dalplex
Familiarize yourself with the Dalplex fitness hall in a low-stress, group setting. Learn where equipment is, how to use some items, get comfortable in the fitness hall and learn some tips and tricks from our fitness staff.Ìý
Registration required and opens 72 hours in advance of the session.
MESC Coffee Cart
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Design Commons, Richard Murray Design Building, 2nd Floor, Sexton Campus
Drop by the Care Hub Coffee Cart in the Emera Idea Building Atrium for a hot beverage and to connect with Faculty and Staff in Engineering! Free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea provided. Grab a Wellness Kit provided by the MESC!Ìý
No registration required.
PAWSitive Support
1 – 2 p.m. | LeMarchant Place, Group Room 2
3 – 4 p.m. | Killam Library, Room 2600
Drop in to enjoy some animal therapy with a furry friend! Visit with Risser the Morkie in LeMarchant Place, or stop by the Killam Library to visit with Saint John Ambulance Therapy Dog Guinness the Flat Coated Retriever!
No registration required.
Dalplex Building Tours
1 p.m. | Dalplex
Get a friendly tour of Dalplex from the Dal Athletics staff!Ìý
As one of Halifax’s largest athletic facilities, we’re proud to be able to offer a number of activities and services to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.Ìý
Join us for a free tour to help get your started!
Tours will start at the Client Experience Centre in the Dalplex lobby.
Drop-in, no registration required.
Mental Health Forum
4 – 5:30 p.m. | SUB Council Chambers
The Mental Health Forum, open to all students, faculty, and staff to inspire and unite those interested in mental health and well-being for the Ä¢¹½AV community.
The Forum provides a platform for sharing ideas and collaborating on mental health-related themes, to contribute perspective on all things related to mental health and well-being, and to support each other. Facilitation of the Forum will be by the Ä¢¹½AV Student Union VP Ethan Leckie and Director of Counselling & Psychological Services, Dr. David Pilon.
No registration required. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Needle Felting Workshop
6 – 7:30 p.m. | Murray Student Engineering Centre, Sexton Campus
Join the Needle Felting Workshop hosted by Karyn Hemsworth. Beginners welcome, no experience necessary. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Craft a cute felt animal, or let your imagination take over!
Registration required.
Dalplex Women's Only Time - Training Studio
6 – 8 p.m. | Dalplex
The Dalplex Training Studio will be reserved for women (and those who identify as women) only during this time. Feel free to drop in to this space at any time during these hours for your workout! Sunday / Monday / Wednesday all semester!
Build a Terrarium with DMCRT
6 – 8 p.m. |ÌýInternational Centre & LMP
Join DMCRT to unwind and get creative at our Build-A-Terrarium night! Design your own mini garden, choose from a variety of plants and materials, and enjoy some snacks while you craft your tiny ecosystem. Plant care is self-care! Relax and join us for a fun, stress-free evening!
Registration required.
Dalplex Fitness Hall 101
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Dalplex
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Dalplex
Familiarize yourself with the Dalplex fitness hall in a low-stress, group setting. Learn where equipment is, how to use some items, get comfortable in the fitness hall and learn some tips and tricks from our fitness staff.Ìý
Registration required and opens 72 hours in advance of the session.
MESC Promoting Community Connections
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Emera Idea Atrium
Promoting Community Connections on Sexton Campus is an event we host each semester to showcase to Sexton Campus students the various student supports and services that are available to them at Ä¢¹½AV. This is a way for the Sexton Campus students the be connected with the university at large and have access to the tools and resources they need for success. The event has been very successful in the past and we look forward to another great turn out.Ìý
Dalplex Building Tours
1 p.m. | Dalplex
Get a friendly tour of Dalplex from the Dal Athletics staff!Ìý
As one of Halifax’s largest athletic facilities, we’re proud to be able to offer a number of activities and services to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.Ìý
Join us for a free tour to help get your started!
Tours will start at the Client Experience Centre in the Dalplex lobby.
Drop-in, no registration required.
Mason Jar Meals on Wheels
1 – 3 p.m. | Killam Library
3 – 5 p.m. | Tupper
A collaborative Ä¢¹½AV Nursing and Dal Student Health & Wellness initiative offering nutritious, ready-made mason jar meals at no cost. Students can choose from Energy Ball Cookie Dough, Energy Ball Macaroon or Ramen Noodle Tofu Jars. We'll be at Killam Library from 1-3pm and 3–5 p.m. in the Tupper. Supplies are limited, come early and test your knowledge on how nutrition supports your mental health!
DalOUT Spin Class
7:30 – 8:15 p.m. | Dalplex Studio 3
Back for Winter 2026 semester: DalOUT Spin!
Join DalOUT every Thursday from 7:30-8:15pm at Dalplex Studio 3 for a group fitness session on the stationary bikes to music.
All fitness levels welcome! No registration needed, but please fill out the waiver linked here or find it on DalOUT Instagram link in bio.
Want to request songs? There's a music request form in the link in Instagram bio!
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10 – 11 a.m. | Emera Idea Hub, Sexton Campus
Having mental health support systems builds community and reminds us we are not alone. Pick up a positive note to keep or write one for someone else!
No registration required.
Engineering Iron Ring Sizing Coffee Cart
11 a.m. | Design Commons, Richard Murray Design Building, 2nd Floor, Sexton Campus
Drop by the Care Hub Coffee Cart during the Iron Ring Sizing for a hot beverage and to connect with Faculty and Staff in Engineering! Free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea provided!
Black Student Wellness Night: Expression through Colour
6 – 8 p.m. | Studley Campus location will be sent to registered participants
Join us for a creative mental health event centred on supporting Black students’ well‑being. Express yourself through arts and crafts like mood boards, decorated journal covers, and affirmation cards in a welcoming space focused on rest, joy, and self‑care. No experience needed—come as you are. All materials provided; feel free to bring your own journal.
Learn more about mental health and mental illness
What is mental health?
Mental Health is our emotional, psychological, and socialÌýwell-being. Good mental health is a state of well-being where a person can cope with everyday stressors while contributing meaningfully to theirÌýcommunity.ÌýMany systemic factors contribute to goodÌýmental health, such as getting out in nature or being physically active, getting enough sleep, and connecting with others. Other factors canÌýdiminish mental health, such as experiencingÌýdiscrimination, lack of access to social supports, and foodÌýand housing insecurity.
What is mental illness?
A mental illness is a medical diagnosis, just like heart disease. It involves changes in thinking, mood, and behaviour (or a combination of all three). Mental illness is associated with distress or problems functioning in daily activitiesÌýand may appear in different forms such as substance use disorders,Ìýschizophrenia, and depression.ÌýMental illness is common and treatable.Ìý
Mental health vs mental illness
Although some may use these words interchangeably, they have different meanings and should be viewed differently.ÌýA person can experience good or poor mental healthÌýwhether or notÌýthey have a diagnosed mental illness.ÌýIt is possible for someone with a mental illness to experience good mental health and someone without a mental illness to experience poor mental health.Ìý
³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌýdal.ca/mental-healthÌýto learn more about resources and supports for student mental health available all year long!