Addressing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Black Families and Communities in Ontario, Canada: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Summary: Mental health is incredibly important, but for Black families in Canada, racism and unfair treatment make it even harder to get the right help. There is also a lot of unfair shame or "stigma" around mental illness that stops people from speaking up. To fix this, researchers are starting a new study in Ontario. They will talk to over 400 people, including those dealing with mental health struggles, community leaders, and healthcare workers. By using online surveys and group talks, they want to deeply understand these challenges. The ultimate goal is to create a new, better way to support mental health, reduce shame, and empower Black communities to get the care they deserve.