NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that helps middle and high school-aged youth learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Ending the Silence is a free, 50-minute session designed for middle and high school students. Students will learn about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos, and personal testimony from a young adult who describes their journey to recovery.
This program is free of cost to schools and communities.
Last reviewed: 2024
Intended Outcomes:
- Mental health basics: Learn the basics of mental health as well as the symptoms and warning signs of mental health conditions and suicide.
- How to end the silence: Talking to a trusted adult can help students, their friends, and their family members who may need support.
- You are not alone: Middle and high school students are not alone. Help is out there, and support and treatment is available.
Continuum of Care:
Universal Prevention
Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Depression, Suicide
Ages:
Teen/Adolescent (13-18)
Geographic Locations:
Urban
Delivery Settings:
School-Based
Cultural Considerations:
No research found involving diverse populations
Audience:
This program is intended for middle school and high school aged students.
Credentials:
To implement this program, one has to have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Manuals:
Information not available
Is Training Required?
Information not available
Who can provide the required training?
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) can provide more information on training. Please visit the website for more information.
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
No
Program/Practice Website:
https://ets.nami.org/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
DeLuca, J. S., Tang, J., Zoubaa, S., Dial, B., & Yanos, P. T. (2021). Reducing stigma in high school students: A cluster randomized controlled trial of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Ending the Silence intervention. Stigma and Health, 6(2), 228.
Wahl, O., Rothman, J., Brister, T., & Thompson, C. (2019). Changing student attitudes about mental health conditions: NAMI ending the silence. Stigma and Health, 4(2), 188.
Wong, E. C., Collins, R. L., Cerully, J. L., Roth, E., Marks, J., & Yu, J. (2016). Effects of stigma and discrimination reduction trainings conducted under the California Mental Health Services Authority: An evaluation of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Adult Programs. Rand health quarterly, 5(4).
Additional Sources:
WV Rating:
Promising
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
There are three studies; 1 including a RCT. All three studies revealed positive results in the program-offering empathy and understanding regarding the mental health stigma.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Not On Registry
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Not On Registry
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Not On Registry