Ending the Silence: NAMI’s Initiative Boosts Mental Health Awareness in Schools

NAMI‘s “Ending the Silence” Program in Schools

Auburn, Wash. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) started a program called “Ending the Silence.” This program brings discussions about mental health to middle and high schools. The goal is to help students talk openly about mental health issues.

At Auburn Mountainview High School, Robin Hinz spoke to a health class. She shared her own experiences with mental health challenges. Hinz said, “We are not psychiatrists, nor are we social workers. But we are experts in our own and families’ mental health journeys. I’ve learned to tell my story, and it’s very healing.” She described how she went years without help but is now in recovery.

Kristen East, a NAMI youth presenter, talked about her own experience. She graduated at the top of her class but felt she didn’t deserve help. “I didn’t match what I thought it looked like for someone to be depressed,” she said.

Students in the classroom responded positively. Jherielle Fundan, a sophomore, said, “I find it easier to speak to others about how I feel. But I know for many it’s a struggle, and I think it should be normalized.” Kyler Schrier added, “My cousin struggles with it a lot, and I never knew how to help him. Now I can understand his feelings better.”

Hinz noted that not every student speaks up, but some do share personal connections. “That gave me new hope,” she said. “High school students often don’t want to ask questions, but people are listening.”

Besides school presentations, NAMI offers programs for parents and community groups. They also provide a helpline for teens and young adults. Youth can text “friend” to 62640 or call 800-950-NAMI from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.