NAMI Miami-Dade

Mental health challenges often begin quietly. A teen who once seemed engaged becomes withdrawn. Grades start to slip. Sleep patterns change. Mood swings become more frequent. These can be early warning signs that a young person is struggling with their mental health. Parents, teachers, and friends may sense that something is wrong but may not know how to start the conversation. As a result, many young people struggle in silence, unsure where to turn for help.

Youth mental health is in crisis, and too many young people are facing it alone.

Key Facts: Youth Mental Health in Crisis

• Nearly 1 in 6 youth experience a mental health condition each year.
• 85% of youth who did not receive mental health care reported not seeking help because they believed they could handle it on their own (Mental Health America, 2025).
• More than 2 in 5 high school girls report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2025).
• 1 in 4 students report poor mental health (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2025).
• 1 in 7 students have seriously considered suicide (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2025).
• In Miami-Dade County, the age-adjusted emergency room visit rate due to adolescent suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury was 42.3 ER visits per 10,000 youth ages 10-17 during 2021-2023 (miamidadematters.org)

At NAMI Miami-Dade, we are working to ensure that no young person faces these challenges alone. Through free youth mental health education, awareness programs, and support resources, we help young people recognize the signs of mental health conditions. We also recognize the vital role parents and caregivers play in their loved ones’ mental health journeys. By providing education, guidance, and access to support, we empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs, navigate mental health challenges, advocate for their loved ones, and create supportive environments where young people feel understood, valued, and encouraged to seek help.

“I loved this presentation. I learned ways that I can help myself, and after hearing their story it really touched my heart because it's relatable. But mostly, it gives me hope that I can always make it out of a dark place.” - Student Testimonial, South Dade Senior High School

"I can see ways that I can improve my communication with my kids based on this presentation. Not only with my kids but with my family and those I interact with." Parent Testimonial

Your Give Miami Day gift keeps our youth and family mental health programs free and accessible, including Ending the Silence, a 50‑minute, evidence‑informed presentation that equips students, educators, and youth‑serving professionals to recognize warning signs, seek help early, and support mental wellness before challenges escalate into crises. Since 2021, NAMI Miami Dade has equipped more than 11,000 youth across Miami Dade County with our Ending the Silence Program and has given them the tools to understand mental health and seek help.

Your Give Miami Day directly funds the following:

• $25 provides mental health education for one young person or one adult who supports youth 
• $50 funds a stipend for a young adult presenter to share their lived experience
• $100 supports mental health education for a classroom
• $500 equips a high school student club with mental health education and resources
• $1,000 supports an entire classroom of students and the adults they interact with mental health education

Together, we can ensure more young people, families, educators, and communities have access to free mental health education, support, and advocacy when they need it most! Because of NAMI Miami-Dade County, young people, families, and educators, don't have to face mental health challenges alone.