What is Friend of MHINDS?

Friend of MHINDS (Mental Health Interest Needs Dedicated Students) is a volunteer community service group for high school students that focuses on learning more about mental illnesses. Our goal is to work toward changing socially stigmatized views about mental health topics by providing factual information. Participating students then take that information and share it on various social media sites, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

How does Friend of MHINDS work?

Once a month, the Friend of MHINDS Team comes to your high school during the lunch hour(s) and we bring lunch for those who attend the meeting. Look for your school's meeting times in the school announcements or our calendar of events. We need you to sign-up in advance so we know how much food to bring. Check the navigation bar at the top of the page to see more specifics about your school.

What happens at a Friend of MHINDS meeting?

While you're enjoying a free fantastic lunch from a local community restaurant, we provide facts about a mental health topic that you and your classmates have told us is important to you. In addition to facts, we will direct you to resources that you can access to find out more on your own. Then, we ask that you help share this information by use of social media sites and tag us so we see the posts. Don't have a device to access social media? Not to worry... Join us anyway because we bring extras!

What schools are participating in Friend of MHINDS?

Friend of MHINDS is available for high schools in White, Gallatin, and Saline Counties of Illinois. We currently have active groups in Eldorado High School (#EHS), Carrier Mills - Stonefort High School (#CMSHS), and Norris City - Omaha - Enfield High School (#NCOEHS). Plans are being made to add several other schools very soon. If your school is interested in joining, please email us at FriendofMHINDS@gmail.com or text to 815-507-3788 (a text-only number).

What mental health topics are discussed in FoM Meetings?

Each school determines the topics that are most prevalent for their own students. We survey the interested students before the first meeting and find out what they want. Popular topics have been bullying prevention, relationships, and general mental health knowledge. We have found that each school and group grows a personality and interest of it's own, causing the topics to become tailored to their needs. Ultimately, all topics center around dispelling the myths that keep stigmatized ideas around. Education and the sharing of facts is our goal.