Erase the Stigma

Erase the Stigma provides educational and interactive presentations for children and youth with the goal of breaking down stigma surrounding mental health and providing tools to develop healthy coping skills on a variety of mental health related topics.

Based on mental health screening data, 57% of the 11-17 year-olds who took an online questionnaire screened for depression. Suicide in youth aged 10-17 increased by 54.5 percent in Tennessee from 2015 to 2017. This program is working to reverse this trend!

All presentations are made age/grade-appropriate and teach students about mental health stigmas and the importance of mental health wellness.  Here are some different topics and the age ranges they are tailored to:

K – 5th grade:

  • Bullying Awareness
  • Dealing with Worry
  • Friendship
  • Handling a Bad Day
  • Self-Esteem
  • Understanding Feelings

6th – 12th grade:

  • Anxiety and Worry
  • Bullying Awareness
  • Mental Health and Nutrition
  • Test Anxiety
  • Eating Disorders and Self-Esteem
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Mental Health and Stigmas
  • Stress and Depression
  • Risky Decisions and Substance Abuse

Who's the target audience for Erase the Stigma? Professionals working directly with children and youth in schools and in the community, including teachers, school counselors, and social workers are strongly encouraged to utilize these curricula as educational tools to support the learning, development, and well-being of the young people in their care.

 

 

I.C. mascot which is a yellow duck

I.C. Hope

I.C. Hope is a mental health ambassadorused in every presentation to introduce mental health topics in a friendly and non-threatening way. By making the subject approachable, children and youth learn that mental health is important for everyone. Just as we care for our physical health, we must also care for our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental Health America aims to help young people understand mental health, manage stress, build healthy relationships, and make positive choices. A key goal of the Erase the Stigma program is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, which is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help.

For More Information

If you have concerns or need services for yourself, a child, or family member, contact our Helpline:
Phone: 800-560-5767
Email: OCA.TDMHSAS@tn.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for state holidays)

If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 and press 0 to speak to a trained counselor or chat with 988lifeline.org.

To learn more and schedule a presentation:

West TN

Zakeria Clark
ETS-Y Program Director
zclark@mhamidsouth.org

Schedule a meeting or Book a presentation:
https://tidycal.com/etsywesttn

Middle TN

Natalie Looney
Middle TN Coordinator
nlooney@mhamidsouth.org

Schedule a meeting or Book a presentation:
https://tidycal.com/etsymiddletn