Onika L. Dainty

I’m Onika L. Dainty, a 40-something Caribbean-Canadian writer, public speaker, and mental health advocate. My journey with Bipolar I disorder spans over 20 years, and in 2016, I became a certified Peer Support Specialist through Peer Support Canada. I am passionate about sharing my lived experiences to raise awareness about mental health and the mental health care system.

In 2024, I joined Cultural Expressions for CHANGE, a non-profit organization serving the Durham region. I am currently a member of the organization’s Black History Month planning committee. I support my team with organizing and executing community events using my background in PR and Communications and Event Management to assist in content development for marketing, promotional materials and media outreach. 

In my career as a public speaker and advocate, I participated in the 2019/2020 Bell Let’s Talk/CAMIMH Faces of Mental Illness Campaign and developed a partnership with CAMH to engage young people. I am a national ambassador for mental health in Canada and I have been featured in the Huffington Post, on CTV News, CBC Gem and in various other media outlets.

I use my platform to discuss mental health topics, offer insights into managing Bipolar I disorder, and share stories that challenge the narrative around mental illness in our communities. It is my goal to create opportunities for community outreach where I will speak on the important subject of mental health, raise awareness and foster understanding by having conversations that take you beyond the stigma. Join me as I explore mental wellness, recovery, self-care, and the realities of living with mental illness.