Download File - NAMI Southwestern Illinois

NAMI Ending the
Silence Program
Developed by Brian & Brenda Hilligoss
NAMI DuPage County, Illinois 2007
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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Ending the Silence
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50 minute presentation about mental
health for high school students
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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:
o
Education – provide accurate information about mental illness to promote
understanding and dispel myths
o
Personal contact – puts a human face to mental illness and provides hope that
recovery is possible
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Educational ETS PowerPoint
Includes:
•
Statistics on student and young adult mental health and recovery
•
Descriptions and signs/symptoms of mental illness:
o ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
o Depression
o Bipolar Disorder
o Anxiety
o Panic Disorder
o OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
o 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
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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
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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.”
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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.”
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Impact-to-Date (2007 – July, 2013)
•
1,206 presentations have been conducted
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59,205 students have been reached
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97 schools have received the ETS presentation
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8 states currently have NAMI Affiliates that offer the program
o ETS is being provided statewide in California
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Benefits of Partnering with NAMI
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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
o 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
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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
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Young Adult Story
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Questions?
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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: [email protected]
NAMI SWI Executive Director:
Jessica Gruneich
[email protected]
NAMI SWI Office Address:
2100 Madison Ave. 4th Floor
Granite City, IL 62040
Office Phone: 618-798-9788
Office Email: [email protected]
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