One in five people in Canada will experience mental illness in any given year, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, but stigma, shame, and harmful myths continue to create barriers in the workplace and community for those living with mental illness.

A campaign launched Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day, aims to debunk stigmatizing myths around mental illness and provide the UWindsor community with facts and helpful tips for supporting those who may be struggling.

The One in Five campaign is part of the UWindsor Employee Mental Health strategy focused on de-stigmatizing mental illness, says employee mental health co-ordinator Kate Hargreaves.

“Stigma around mental illness can create real barriers to people seeking and receiving support,” Hargreaves says. “Mental illness is incredibly common, yet many are still so often reticent to talk about it because of the associated shame and judgment. The One in Five campaign aims to challenge this stigma and debunk myths, making way for supportive and inclusive conversations around mental health.”

Through infographics and posters, campaign messaging highlights the fact that those experiencing mental illness are our friends, colleagues, and community members. Each week, a new infographic will be released, and all materials, as well as mental health support resources, will be available on the One in Five website.

Thursday’s launch event featured a workshop by mental health educator Jenny-Lee Almeida equipping participants with practical tools to manage stress, understand and embrace change, and prioritize wellness during uncertain times. A mix of interactive discussions and practising strategies taught participants how to lean into protective factors, both personally and collectively.

Emergency and crisis resources are available through the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion.