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Talking About Mental Illness Grade 9-12 (TAMI)

Talking About Mental Illness (T.A.M.I.) is a program that was designed predominantly for secondary school students in 2001 by the Canadian Mental Health Association & the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. This program increases awareness about mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it.

Communities are proving they can make a difference through education and awareness programs. TAMI helps to increase the understanding of mental health/illness. It is intended to dispel common misconceptions regarding mental disorders and those living with a mental illness. Students are introduced to various topics such as Mental Health/Illness, Types of Disorders, suicideTALK, Stress Management and when possible a testimonial from a person with lived experience. The comprehensive 4-5 session package has been designed to meet the mental health component identified for the Grade 11 Health and Physical Education course.

*Please note that session 5 is optional and available based on speaker availability.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the health restrictions, a modified and condensed version of the TAMI program is being offered to schools virtually and pre-recordings will be made available.

For more information, please contact Mental Health Promoter, Angele D’Alessio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Request a Workshop

Download Student Handout

It is with pleasure to share with you the results of CMHA/Champlain East, Talking About Mental Illness (TAMI) program Opening Minds in High School: Results of a Contact-Based Anti-Stigma Intervention Report. (Report available in English only at this time)

This report describes the results of a contact-based anti-stigma intervention provided to high school students. The results show that this program was successful in improving the proportion of students who got 80% of the answers correct, so received an “A” grade on the tests used to assess social stereotypes and social tolerance. The program achieved greater success in diminishing stereotyped attitudes (22% more students received an “A” grade at post-test) than expressions of social tolerance (14% more students received an “A” grade at post-test).

The positive findings suggest that there are components of the program that are working. Program staff considers a number of things contribute to their success, including:

• Champion schools/school boards support mental health initiatives
• School cultures in the area create wellness beyond these presentations
• Agency profile of CMHA has been raised through local media and school fundraisers
• Anti-stigma is central to the entire program
• Access to Guest Speakers: speaker selection/orientation/coaching/presentation preparations • Delivery of the program is by Mental Health Promoters, not classroom teachers.

You can also access the document on the Mental Health Commission of Canada website at: http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/sites/default/files/Stigma_OM_High_School_Results_Contact_Based_Anti_Stigma_Intervention_ENG_0.pdf

Talking About Mental Illness Grade 7 & 8 (TAMI)
 
Talking About Mental Illness (T.A.M.I.) is a program that was designed for elementary students in 2012 and is best suited for grades 7 & 8. This awareness program has been proven to bring about positive change in the students knowledge and attitudes about mental illness and related subjects.
 
This program enables students to:
 Foster a more positive attitude towards mental illness
Provide links to community resources and support for further information and professional help
Reduce the stigma associated to mental illness
Emphasis is placed on wellness education such as self-esteem building and stress management
 
The comprehensive 3- 4 day session package with optional guest speaker is designed to be delivered in a classroom setting for 1 hour per day for four consecutive days when possible. Students are introduced to various topics such as Mental Health/Illness, Types of Disorders, Self-Esteem and Stress Management.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the health restrictions, a modified and condensed version of the TAMI program is being offered to schools virtually and pre-recordings will be made available.

For more information, please contact Mental Health Promoter, Angele D’Alessio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 
Request a Workshop 
Download Student Handout