NAMI Ending the Silence
NAMI Ending the Silence is a free and engaging, evidence-based presentation for middle and high school students, school staff members and families of middle and high school aged students to learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if they or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
The 50-minute session includes videos, an informative presentation and testimony from a local young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. Audience members can ask questions to gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
What Your Audience Will Get
- Free of cost to schools and communities
- NAMI Ending the Silence for Students: 50-minute presentation designed for middle and high school students that includes warning signs, facts and statistics and how to get help for themselves or a friend. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help
- NAMI Ending the Silence for School Staff: 1-hour presentation for school staff members that includes information about warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students and how to work with families
- NAMI Ending the Silence for Families: 1-hour presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth that includes warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff
What People Are Saying
“I’m really grateful and glad that you talked to us. I often feel very alone or weird because many kids my age don’t understand. But, now I’m sure they would be more supportive of me.” -Student
"Thank you, Renee, for coming to my school and sharing your story. You have changed my life forever. The things you explained about your depression relate to how I feel. When I got home, I immediately talked to my parents and hopefully I will get some help." -Student
“It is amazing what just one day, one talk can do. You never really know what’s going on in the brain of any particular student.” -Teacher
"Recently parents from two different families reached out to me after their children had seen NAMI Ending the Silence. Both were thanking me for the work we do along with being grateful to know about us as a resource. They were able to have very meaningful and open conversations with their children/students and happy they are getting this information in the school setting." -Ending The Silence Program Leader
"I have had two of the most gratifying days I have had in a long time...I usually speak to High School age students, but due to the fact that most individuals are diagnosed with mental illness between ages 8-15 it only makes sense to educate at a younger age. So the past 2 days I spent at JWMS presenting the program and my personal story to 9, 8th grade classes...These kids were like sponges and wanted to put in their stories. It was fantastic, it gave me that push to pursue public speaking at a higher level at some point in time. Today I am grateful for this opportunity to help others before it's too late and give them strategies on how to cope with the hard times from my experience and give them resources...Thank you for allowing me to share." -Ending The Silence Program Leader
Schedule An Ending The Silence Presentation
Contact Mel Houg at 715-367-3593 or contact@naminorthernlakes.org