As a parent, caregiver or educator, it can be frustrating to watch a child struggle at school with behavioral, emotional, learning or attention issues and not know how to help them.
Here’s how NAMI Westside Los Angeles supports youth mental health.
Ending the Silence
Our NAMI Ending the Silence presentation for middle and high schools is a groundbreaking school program designed to give students, teachers, and parents an opportunity to learn about mental illness. Our Westside Los Angeles team speaks to middle and high school students about mental health conditions, including warning signs, facts, and statistics, and we share how they can get help for themselves or a friend. Research has shown that NAMI’s Ending the Silence for Students program is effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions, and guiding them to seek help. Talk to your child’s school and submit your request here.
NAMI on Campus High School Clubs
NAMI On Campus High School (NCHS) Clubs are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campus through peer-led activities and education. Clubs are open to all students, from those living with mental health conditions to those with family members living with a condition, as well as students who are interested in the field or in advocacy. It is not a support or therapy group.
The purpose of NCHS Clubs is to:
- Be supportive of students who are living with mental illness
- Provide information on school and community resources
- Encourage people to recognize early signs of mental illness
- Encourage students who are having mental health issues to get help
- Work to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness
- Create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment
- Let students know there is help available if they need it
NAMI WLA offers support for NAMI on Campus clubs. Find out more here.
Mental Health Support for Youth
Youth Guide to Talking About Mental Health and Seeking Support
Parents Guide to Youth Mental Health
Guide for Parents: How to Talk to Children About Their Mental Health
Free Your Me Campaign: Our Free Your Me campaign encourages our community, including students, to share their stories to help us end stigma and support those impacted by mental health conditions.
Hear about mental health impacts on youth from our board member, Dr. Karen I. Wilson, Ph.D., who was the guest at a recent Janis Black Warner Speaker Series event.
More from NAMI
Find out more in NAMI’s guide to getting your child mental health support and accommodations in school.
NAMI released “Meet Little Monster,” a mental health coloring and activity book created by NAMI’s State Organization NAMI Washington for young children. The coloring book serves as a tool for kids to express and explore their feelings in a fun, creative and empowering way, as well as to help foster dialogue between children and the safe adults in their lives.