Coming Together When It’s Hard: Mental Health Week 2026

Each May, the Canadian Mental Health Association marks Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is:

“Come Together, Canada – Stronger connections, better mental health.”

It’s a simple message. But depending on where you’re at right now, it might land a bit differently.

Because for a lot of people in our industry lately, things haven’t been simple.

When Loss Hits Close to Home

Over the past while, many of us have felt the impact of loss in our community.

Not just the ongoing uncertainty around work, but the loss of people. Colleagues. Crew members. People who’ve been part of this industry for years.

When that happens, it shifts something.

It reminds us that this work, for all the pace and pressure, is built on people. And when someone is gone, you feel it. Sometimes in ways that are hard to name.

Connection Isn’t Just a Buzzword

We hear a lot about “connection” these days. It can start to sound like a slogan.

But in practice, it’s often much simpler than that.

For film workers, connection can be inconsistent. You’re on a show, working closely with a crew, and then suddenly it’s over. The rhythm stops. People scatter. You’re back on your own for a while.

That can be tough at the best of times. Add grief into that, and it can feel heavier.

This is where the theme of Mental Health Week actually matters.

Not as a campaign, but as a reminder that stronger connections = better mental health.

Grief Doesn’t Always Show Up Clearly

Grief doesn’t always look the way people expect.

It’s not always obvious or visible. Sometimes it’s just a shift.

You might notice:

• you’re more tired than usual

• your patience is shorter

• it’s harder to focus

• you don’t feel like reaching out

• things feel a bit flat

And in our industry, there isn’t always a lot of space to sit with that. We’re used to keeping things moving, staying professional, getting through the day.

Which means a lot of people carry it quietly.

What “Coming Together” Can Actually Look Like

This isn’t about big gestures.

It’s about small things that are easy to overlook.

• Checking in with someone you haven’t heard from in a while.

• Sending a quick message to a former crew mate. 

• Taking a moment to ask how someone is doing and actually listening.

Or on the other side of it, letting someone check in on you (that part can be harder).

You Don’t Need to Have the Right Words

A lot of people hesitate because they don’t know what to say.

You don’t need to have the right words.

Most of the time, it’s enough to say: “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you.”

Or: “How are you doing, really?”

You’re not there to fix anything. Just being present goes further than most people realize (and can provide an opportunity to remind them about the Calltimementalhealth.com website and resources).

A Small Pause

If anything, Mental Health Week is just a chance to pause for a moment.

• how you’re doing.

• who might need a bit of support.

• whether you’ve been carrying more than you think.

You don’t have to do anything big with that. Even a small step is enough.

If You Need Support

If things feel heavier than you want to carry on your own, Calltime has resources to help connect you to support.

And if you want to learn more about this year’s Mental Health Week visit https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/ 

Final Thought

“Come Together” doesn’t have to mean anything complicated. Sometimes it just means not going through something alone.

In an industry that runs on teamwork, that’s something we already understand. We just have to remember to apply it to each other too.