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 Dalhousie 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.
Coffee Cart with DMCRT
9:00 - 11:00am | 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 - 11:15am | Dalplex
2:30 - 3:15pm | 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 - 7:0pm | 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
6:00 - 8:00pm | 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!
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
11:00am-12:00pm | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
11:00am-12:00pmÌý| Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
11:00am-12:00pmÌý| Tupper Link, Carleton 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.
Dalplex Fitness Hall 101
10:30 - 11:15am | Dalplex
2:30 - 3:15pm | 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.
Happy Day Carnival
11:00am - 7:00pm | McInnis Room, Student Union Building
Combat Blue Monday with a Tuesday Happy Day! Drop by the McInnis Room to bring some joy, jump in a bouncy castle, eat some cotton candy!
No registration required.Ìý
PAWSitive Support
1:00 - 2:00pm | Killam Library, Room 2600
Drop in to the Killam Library to enjoy some animal therapy with a furry friend, Saint Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Guiness!
No registration required.
Dalplex Building Tours
1:00pm | 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!
6:30pm | Dalhousie 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 pilipiliÂþ» sign!
No registration required.Ìý*DalRunClub asks you sign their waiver available in the Dal Run Club IG bio.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10:00 - 11:00am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
8:30am - 4:30pm | Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
12:00 - 1:00pm | Tupper 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 - 11:15am | Dalplex
2:30 - 3:15pm | 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
11:00am - 1pm | Emera Idea Hub, 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
1:00 - 2:00pm | LeMarchant Place, Group Room 2
2:00 - 3:00pm | Killam Library, Room 2600
Feeling stressed? Missing your pets at home? Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? Come and join us for PAWSitive Support! Spend part of your afternoon snuggling with one of our therapy dogs!
No registration required.
Dalplex Building Tours
1:00pm | 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
4:00 - 5:30pm | 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 Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie Student Union VP Ethan Leckie and Director of Counselling & Psychological Services, Dr. David Pilon.
No registration required. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Needle Felting Workshop
5:00 - 6:00pm | Melda Murray Student 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
6:00 - 8:00pm | 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
6:00 - 8:00pm |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 - 11:15am | Dalplex
2:30 - 3:15pm | 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.
Dalplex Building Tours
1:00pm | 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.
MESC Promoting Community Connections
11:30am - 1:30pm | 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 pilipiliÂþ». 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 pilipiliÂþ». The event has been very pilipiliÂþ»ful in the past and we look forward to another great turn out.Ìý
Naloxone & Opioid Poisoning Response Training
12:00 - 1:30pm | Virtual
Student Health and Wellness in partnership with Nova Scotia Health Authority Take Home Naloxone Program is hosting open training for Naloxone and Opioid Poisoning Response.
This 90-minute training workshop aims to prepare participants to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning e in accordance with the Nova Scotia Health Authority Take Home Naloxone Program. Naloxone training can be added to your Co-Curricular Record.
Learning Outcomes:
- Stigma & Substance Use Disorders
- Harm Reduction
- How to Repond to Opioid Poisoning
- Good Samaritain Act
Rest & Refresh: Build Your Own Sleep Kit
2:00 - 3:30pm | Killam Library, Room 2600
Sleep helps to repair the brain!
Drop by the Killam Library Room 2600 to build your own sleep-ready kit with free self-care products, sleep masks, lavender sachet's and more! Relaxing music, colouring and a visit from Risser the therapy dog!
No registration required.
Needle Felting Workshop
5:00 - 6:00pm | Melda Murray Student 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.
DalOUT Spin Class
7:30 - 8:15pm | 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!
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie 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 March 14-16 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 the for availability.
DMCRT Mental Health Kindness Notes
10:00 - 11:00am | Killam Library Lobby, Studley Campus
10:00 - 11:00amÌý| Melda Murray Student Centre, Sexton Campus
10:00 - 11:00amÌý| Tupper Link, Carleton 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.
Feed Your Mind: Mason Jar Meals
2:30pm | Killam Library Lobby
Come grab a nutritious ready-made mason jar meal or snacks at the Killam library lobby from 2:30 until we run out! Brought to you by HAHP Students and Dal Student Health & Wellness.
Dal Run Club: St. Patty's Day Theme
1:30pm |ÌýDal Run Club: St. Patty's Day Theme
Throw on your favourite Green run outfit and join the Dal Run Club to move your body in support of mental health, with a Saint Patty's Day theme!! All levels welcome, even if you've never run before, there will be Beginner and Advanced Pace Options.
Meet at Robie Street & University Ave at the pilipiliÂþ» sign!
Chill AF Yoga Class @ RINSE Rstudios
6:30 - 7:15pm |ÌýR Studios
CHILL AF
Let’s get you grounded, slowed down, and stretched the F out in this Yin-style yoga class. Think passive stretch, lots of stillness and long, indulgent holds on the ground. This class will increase flexibility, mobility, range of motion and mental stamina. Leave feeling Chill AF.
Registration required.
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie 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 March 14-16 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 the for availability.
Breathework Class
1:30 - 2:00pm | Dalplex
The practice involves a mixture of simply being aware of your breath, along with structured, rhythmic breathing practices. It has various benefits including decreasing stress, improving sleep quality, increasing mindfulness, improving lung function, enhancing cognitive performance, to name a few. This is a zero-judgement and safe space, where everyone practices at their own pace, and everyone is welcome. Yoga mats will be available but please bring your own mats if you have them.
Registration is required. Registration opens 72 hours in advance of the class.
Dalplex Free Equipment Rentals
The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer all Dalhousie 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 March 14-16 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 the for availability.
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!