LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH:
Start the conversation. End stigma. Save lives.
The global pandemic has upended our lives and impacted our mental health and well-being. And, children and adolescents are experiencing increased mental distress due to the disruptions of school closures, activities, and maintaining social and physical distancing. Now more than ever, it is important for us to empower students to share their struggles and seek help.
LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Program is a FREE story-based, peer-to-peer mental health education program to engage students in middle schools and high schools in a conversation about mental health and well-being. Together, we can promote mental health and prevent suicides.
- LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Program for Students: FREE 1-hour presentation to engage middle and high school students in a conversation about mental health to promote well-being and prevent suicides.
- LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Program for School Staff: FREE 1-hour panel presentation for school staff including youth storytellers, parents, a school counselor and a child & adolescent psychiatrist.
- LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Program for Families: FREE 1-hour panel presentation for families including youth storytellers, parents, a school counselor and a child & adolescent psychiatrist.
The presentations are offered FREE of charge, can be presented virtually and customized to fit the needs of individual schools.
Presentations include:
- Seamless integration with current curriculum
- Personal recovery stories to inspire hope & well-being
- Interactive discussions on stress, coping skills and support networks
- Wellness resources to promote resilience and well-being
- Ample time for Q & A
The Let’s Talk About Mental Health Program has been active since 2017, and has reached 4,100 students.
Based on student evaluations:
- 92% of students felt the presentation was helpful
- 82% of students were empowered to seek help after the presentation
- 93% of students were encouraged to offer help after the presentation
- 93% of students were inspired by the message that recovery is possible after the presentation
- 94% of students would recommend the presentation to other schools
Growing evidence shows that when schools address mental health and wellness, they can boost academic achievement, reduce absenteeism, increase graduation rates and overall student well-being.
Schedule a Let’s Talk About Mental Health Presentation
If you are interested in scheduling the program in your middle school or high school, please email ashley@myasha.org.
Together, we can create communities of hope, empathy and inclusion where all students can learn and thrive.
The program was very touching and helpful to me because I have struggled with depression and thought about suicide.
I learned that even though I don’t think it will get better, it will.
Thank you for the wellness resources you shared.
– Student, Century High School
Love the use of stories to build empathy and uncover my own struggles – I feel more motivated to address these struggles head-on.
– Student, Lincoln High School
You both were amazing!
And, gave me hope and insights on how to help my brother who struggles with panic attacks.
Thank you!
– Student, Beaverton High School
You guys are excellent!
My English is bad because it’s not my first language, but I still want to tell you guys the world needs people like you.
Please keep it going.
– Student, International School of Beaverton
Knowing that other people go through the process and get well has helped me see that I can talk to someone and get help.
And, I could help people.
– Student, Westview High School