Breaking the Silence: High Schoolers Open Up About Mental Health
A wave of empathy and understanding is sweeping through Auburn, Washington’s classrooms, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The "Ending the Silence" program is taking mental health conversations out of the shadows and into the open, empowering students to share their experiences and seek support.
At Auburn Mountainview High School, Robin Hinz, a NAMI youthpresenter, bravely shared her own journey with mental health challenges.
“We are not psychiatrists, nor are we social workers," Hinz said. "But we are experts in our own and families’ mental health journeys. I’ve learned to tell my story, and it’s very healing."
Hinz, who has been in recovery for several years after struggling for a long time without help, knows firsthand the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
For many teenagers, the "Ending the Silence" program is a welcome breath of fresh air. Kristen East, a successful NAMI youth presenter who graduated at the top of her class, understands the internal struggle all too well.
"I felt like I didn’t deserve help because I didn’t match what I thought it looked like for someone to be depressed or for someone to need help," East explained.
Sophomores at Auburn Mountainview feel the impact of the program’s message. Jherielle Fundan, a sophomore, believes that open communication about mental health is essential.
"I don’t find it to be hard to talk about. I find it easier to speak to others about how I feel," Fundan shared. "But I know for many other people it’s a struggle, and I think it should be normalized."
Kyler Schrier, another sophomore, witnessed firsthand how the program can make a difference.
"My cousin struggles with it a lot, and I never knew how to help him," Schrier admitted. "So now I can help him a little bit more and better understand his feelings and emotions."
While it might be difficult to gauge the immediate impact, Hinz witnessed small victories that spark hope.
"It’s not always clear who they reached, but occasionally a student will share a personal connection. That gave me new hope," Hinz said. "Especially at the high school level, they don’t want to ask questions. But people are listening."
NAMI’s commitment to mental health extends far beyond school presentations. They offer a wide range of programs for parents, adults, and community groups. Youth facing mental health challenges can also access a dedicated helpline by texting "friend" to 62640 or calling 800-950-NAMI between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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