Talking About Mental Illness (TAMI)
In 2001, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health developed the Talking About Mental Illness Program for high school students. This innovative program was designed to reduce the stigma typically associated with mental illnesses and to provide accurate and up-to-date information to students who may be experiencing mental health issues.
In 2002, the Leeds-Grenville branch began providing TAMI to Grade 11 students taking the Anthropology/Psychology/Sociology course throughout various high schools. It is currently being offered on a regular basis to 6 high schools
TAMI is presented over 4 days during regular class times and includes:
- videos
- trivia games and quizzes
- interactive group exercises
- signs/symptoms
- causes/treatments
- community resources
- guest speakers
Our guest speakers are people who have experienced a mental illness and are willing to share their stories with the students, providing an autobiographical account of what it is like to live with a mental illness. The use of guest speakers further enhances the learning experience and offers the students the opportunity to ask questions.
For additional information regarding this innovative program, please call Lori Veltkamp at 345-0950 ext 6 or email lori.veltkamp@cmha-lg.ca
Community Presentations
Our Public Education staff would be pleased to conduct a presentation to your agency or group throughout the community, free of charge.
Examples of presentations offered:
- Suicide Awareness
- Depression
- Self Injury
- Overview of Mental Illness
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Anxiety/panic
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Marijuana and Mental Illness
Please note that we can work with you to tailor a presentation to meet your needs. For more information, please call Lori Veltkamp at 345-0950 ext 6 or email lori.veltkamp@cmha-lg.ca