NAMI Ending the Silence Program Developed by Brian & Brenda Hilligoss NAMI DuPage County, Illinois 2007

Agenda About the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Importance of Prevention and Early Intervention Introduction to Ending the Silence Testimonials Impact-to-Date (2007 – July, 2013) Benefits of Partnering with NAMI Young Adult Story Q & A

About NAMI Largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness NAMI Affiliates in every state, including some territories NAMI Affiliates work to raise awareness and provide essential and free support, advocacy and education programs for people with mental illness and their loved ones Lived experience is key in the success of our organization and programs

Importance of Prevention & Early Intervention 1 in 4 US adults have a diagnosable, treatable mental illness (Kessler et al., 2005) 21% of youth (ages 13-18) have a mental illness (Merikangas et al., 2010) 80% don’t receive mental health services (NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center) Although 50% exhibit symptoms by age 14, the average delay between onset of symptoms and receiving treatment is 8-10 years (NIMH, 2005)

Importance of Prevention and Early Intervention Studies show that stigma is the greatest barrier to individuals receiving treatment and achieving recovery The majority of individuals who receive treatment early recover completely Prevention and early intervention are key in helping people avoid serious mental illness

Ending the Silence 50 minute presentation about mental health for high school students Includes educational PowerPoint where students learn signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses Emphasizes that mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible Includes personal testimony from a young adult living with a mental illness about their journey to recovery Engages students through Q & A session ETS reduces stigma through: Education – provide accurate information about mental illness to promote understanding and dispel myths Personal contact – puts a human face to mental illness and provides hope that recovery is possible

Educational ETS PowerPoint Includes: Statistics on student and young adult mental health and recovery Descriptions and signs/symptoms of mental illness: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Depression Bipolar Disorder Anxiety Panic Disorder OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Schizophrenia Videos from youth with mental illnesses sharing their personal experiences For each mental illness, relatable celebrities who also have been diagnosed with the illness are mentioned Information on recovery and coping strategies How to seek help-for self or for a friend

Teacher Testimonial “Often times in health education, and unfortunately society today, the recognition of mental health issues as well as an open discussion of resources available are overlooked for a number of reasons. I feel strongly that NAMI’s Ending the Silence program has filled a large gap in our curriculum specifically related to: Identification of the major classifications of mental illnesses Resources for those with a mental illness Education on reducing the stigma associated with those with a mental illness” Health Teacher, Illinois

Student Testimonials “…After school that day, I went home and told my mom: I told her I need help with this because it's not something I can fix myself; I've tried and tried. Your story really helped me… My friend also has depression and your presentation showed me what I can do to help her. Please continue to visit schools and share your experience with many people. I know you can help inspire many people, just like you inspired me. “ “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 Testimonials “It definitely opened my eyes to what I look for now to help my friends. I have a brother with ADD and now I feel that I can deal with him better because I know how hard it is for him.” “I’m grateful for your presentation because it helped me get the courage to face a mental illness I think I might have and I feel encouraged to seek help.” “I suffer from anxiety and it is very hard for me socially and with school. This makes me realize I wasn’t the only one.” “You have changed my life forever. I now know that people can get help.”

Impact-to-Date (2007 – July, 2013) 1,206 presentations have been conducted 59,205 students have been reached 97 schools have received the ETS presentation 8 states currently have NAMI Affiliates that offer the program ETS is being provided statewide in California

Benefits of Partnering with NAMI Presentations offered to schools at no cost ETS increases student knowledge and awareness of mental health ETS educates students on illnesses which affect the brain Great supplement to health curriculum Students are given ideas on how to support a friend who is experiencing mental health problems, and how to recognize signs of mental illness in themselves, family and friends ETS promotes deeper understanding of mental health through a young adult living with mental illness sharing their journey to recovery Students have the opportunity to ask a “real life” young person with a mental illness and a family member questions directly By engaging students in a discussion about mental illness amongst their peers, students dealing with mental health issues realize they’re not alone

Young Adult Story

Questions?

Contact Information Program Coordinator Name: Donna Reedy Position Title: NAMI SWI Youth Education Outreach Coordinator NAMI Affiliate Name: NAMI Southwestern Illinois Phone: 618-798-9788 Email: info@namiswi.org NAMI SWI Executive Director: Jessica Gruneich jessicagruneich@namiswi.org NAMI SWI Office Address: 2100 Madison Ave. 4th Floor Granite City, IL 62040 Office Phone: 618-798-9788 Office Email: info@namswi.org