- Learn that mental health challenges are common
- Feel comfortable talking about mental health and emotions openly with friends, parents, and teachers
- Learn that help is available and how to access it
- Mental health stigma exists amongst students, making it difficult for them to talk about mental health challenges or seek help
- Entire school
- Seek permission from administrators
- Engage mental health staff at school, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses, in the campaign
- Hang up stigma-free celebrity posters made during OMM club activity in highly trafficked areas of the school
- Invite students to take the NAMI stigma-free pledge by including the link/QR code on posters
Optional Add-Ons
- Provide hopeful messages to be read during the daily announcements, such as:
- “Ask for help if you are struggling. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and trusted adults for support. You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time – calls are confidential.”
- “Many teens are struggling right now with pressure from school, family, or friends. Never worry or struggle alone. If you need someone to talk to, reach out for support by texting SCHOOL to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor from the Crisis Text Line, 24/7.”
- “It is okay not to be okay. Mental health challenges are common among teens. Adults are here to help you in our school. Visit the school counselor’s office to set up an appointment today.”
- “Are you worried about a friend? Help them talk to a trusted adult today or help them call 988.”
- In addition to the celebrity posters, use this sample language on posters to promote the messaging throughout the month. Feel free to adapt as needed for your school.
- “Did you know 1 in 5 students will experience a mental challenge before age 18?”
- “Mental health challenges are common, but help is available.”
- “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Talk to your doctor about your mental health.”
- “It is okay not to be okay. Help is available. Reach out to talk to our amazing (SCHOOL NAME) counselors today.”
- “Never worry alone. Ask an adult for help or text “MIND” to 741741 for support from Crisis Text Line.”
- “Are you worried about your friend? Help them talk to our school counselors today.”
- If your club has a social media account, consider sharing images of the posters throughout the month!
- Did this campaign increase awareness of mental health supports and resources in school? Great!
- Did students engage with or comment on any posters, messages read on loudspeakers, or mental health resources shared? Success!
- What impact did our campaign have on stigma in this school? How do you know?
- What could make it easier for teens in this school/community to discuss mental health?
- How can our club stomp out the stigma of discussing mental health among students? Staff? Parents/caregivers?