NAMI Racine County youth programs provide education and support for young people who have mental health concerns or mental illness. All of our youth programs follow a structured format and are led by NAMI Racine County staff, trained volunteers, or mental health professionals.

What is NAMI Ending the Silence for Students?

NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging 50-minute in-school presentation designed to teach 9th grade high school students the warning signs of mental health conditions, recognize the importance of acknowledging those warning signs, and what steps to take if a person (including themselves) is showing signs of a mental health condition.

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. Also, with these conversations, we are ending the stigma unfairly associated with mental illness.

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  • “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

  • "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

  • "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."

    NAMI Ending the Silence Facilitator

F.A.Qs

  • NAMI Ending the Silence is offered in-person and will share an informative presentation, short videos, and personal testimony from individuals who will describe their mental wellness journey. Audience members will have a chance to ask questions and gain understanding of an often misunderstood topic in a safe environment.

  • There is no cost to schools, students, parents, or communities for this presentation.

  • Presentations must be scheduled by the school.

    If you are a teacher or school representative, please connect with Sheri Hess, Outreach Coordinator, at shess@namiracine.org or call 262.637.0582 ext. 6200 for more information.

  • Presentations must be scheduled by the school. If you are a student or parent and would like to request this at your school, please contact Bridget Munson, Executive Director, at bmunson@namiracine.org.

  • NAMI Ending the Silence relies on dedicated individuals who are emotionally ready to share their story with youth in our community. If you would like help change someone’s life and end stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health conditions, please reach out to Sheri Hess, Outreach Coordinator, at shess@namiracine.org.

    Steps to become a presenter:1. Connect with Sheri Hess, Outreach Coordinator: shess@namiracine.org or 262.637.0582 ext. 6200 (2 min)2. Complete the online portion of the training including videos and questions (2 hrs)3. If you are a good match, sign the emailed fidelity agreement and complete the NAMI Racine County Volunteer application (15 min)4. Coordinate with Sheri to join an in person NAMI Ending the Silence presentation and experience first-hand the impact you can have on youth mental health5. After observations, begin presenting on your own!

    To effectively reach all 9th grade students in Racine County, presenters are asked to commit to a school-year term (September-June) with at least one day a month available to present to classrooms (Monday - Friday between 8-4) and be flexible to coordinate with school staff and other facilitators.

Are there NAMI Ending the Silence Options for Adults?

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

 

Teen Talk - A forum for high school-aged teens to talk with other teens experiencing similar

Registration REQUIRED, as well as a 1-time consent form to be signed by parent/guardian

Facilitated by a clinical therapist and NAMI staff member.

NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine

Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine is a free nationwide peer-support service that provides information, resource referrals, and support to teens and young adults.

The T&YA Specialists are young people who understand what you're going through because they have been through stuff, too.

They are experienced and well-trained. They care and want to help you find a way forward. Reach out by:

Phone: If you are a teen or young adult with questions about mental health, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to speak with a NAMI HelpLine specialist now.

Text: Text Friend to 62640 to immediately connect with a HelpLine Specialist trained to provide resources, information, and support.

Chat: Click here and go to: “Chat with us” to connect with a HelpLine Specialist on NAMI.org.