Friends for Mental Health has recently begun a free high school educational awareness program called "Something on my mind" to provide a space for students to learn and talk about issues related to mental illness that they may face themselves or through living with a family member with a mental illness.

Because early intervention is currently thought to be one of the most important factors relating to recovery from mental illness, it is of crucial importance that teens who are experiencing distress get help right away. By getting young people the treatment they need early, recovery may be accelerated and they may be protected from further losses related to the course of illness.

School staff can be great partners in early identification of mental health problems and mental illness among students, often picking up on many of the warning signs. Many schools also have access to mental health professionals, such as school psychologists, counselors, and social workers. These staff can provide support for early intervention, and can help access a comprehensive range of mental health services for their teens.

The purpose of these presentations is also to increase general awareness of mental illness and to decrease the stigma and fear surrounding it in order to facilitate access to mental health services.