Stigma related to mental illness remains a major barrier to recovery, treatment access, and quality of life. This project will explore how people living with mental illness in Windsor-Essex perceive and interpret stigma, particularly in the context of structural violence such as housing insecurity, service shortages, and systemic exclusion. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will investigate how these structural factors influence stigma appraisal and self-esteem. Data will be gathered through community-based surveys and in-depth interviews with individuals from diverse and marginalized backgrounds. Findings will support the development of policy and practice recommendations aimed at improving equity in mental health care. The research also aims to build stronger academic–community partnerships and foster local advocacy efforts.

This study will offer a deeper understanding of how stigma and structural inequities affect mental health outcomes in Windsor-Essex. The findings will help shape policy reforms and targeted interventions to reduce stigma and support recovery.