Helping middle- and high-schoolers understand mental illness makes a big difference. NAMI’s Ending the Silence program helps raise awareness and change perceptions around mental health conditions. At the January 9 General Meeting you will have the opportunity to learn about this program that students see in their classrooms.
A young adult living with mental illness and a family member tell their stories about mental health challenges. The program gives students the rare opportunity to ask questions about mental health challenges to people who have lived it. The message of empathy and hope encourages students to actively care for themselves and their friends. It also teaches them it’s okay to talk about what they’re feeling. The presentation covers: early warning signs; facts and statistics about youth and mental health challenges; when, where, and how to get help; and when it’s not okay to keep a secret.
The two presenters are Alexia Worsham and Tiffany Austin. Alexia works part-time for NAMI as a teacher and presenter. Alexia speaks about her lived experience as a family member from two perspectives—as a child of a parent who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and as a parent of children with mental health conditions. Tiffany Austin was first introduced to NAMI through her mental health care provider. She works at NAMI as the Community and Media Relations Liaison. She speaks about her lived experience.
Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
