The NAN Project: Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Schools

Fundraising Success for Mental Health Initiatives

The NAN Project has successfully raised $186,000 to further its mission of promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in schools. This funding will help expand conversations around depression, anxiety, and suicide across various communities, including Swampscott.

Joel Abramson, a supporter from Swampscott, highlighted that mental health traumas affect both affluent communities like Marblehead and Swampscott as well as more challenged areas like Lynn. While reasons for these feelings may vary, the impact remains equally significant across different demographics.

The Origins of The NAN Project

Founded in 2016 by Jake Cavanaugh and his mother, Ellen Dalton, The NAN Project emerged from their own tragic experiences. Ellen, with over three decades in human services and mental health, sought to foster mental health awareness following the death of her daughter, Nancy Cavanaugh, by suicide in 2012.

Nancy was set to earn her master’s degree in social work when external pressures led her to overwhelming feelings of depression. Ellen’s commitment to preventing such tragedies spurred the creation of The NAN Project, aiming to educate others about mental health challenges.

Statistics on Suicide and Mental Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for individuals aged 10 to 34. In 2023, it was reported as the eleventh leading cause of death overall, with more than 49,300 lives lost. Alarmingly, the number of suicides surpassed homicides by more than double during the same period.

Engaging with Schools and Students

The NAN Project started collaborating with Swampscott High School in 2022, targeting eleventh and twelfth grade health classes. Their outreach focuses on building mental health knowledge among students.

Jake Cavanaugh remarked on the noticeable shift in perceptions of mental health over the last decade. More students now come into these discussions equipped with an understanding of conditions like depression and anxiety, particularly post-pandemic.

As part of their initiatives, The NAN Project evaluates students’ prior knowledge before each presentation, allowing them to tailor content to the audience's needs. They employ three distinct modules addressing foundational concepts, supportive language for peers, and overcoming barriers to seeking help.

Breaking the Stigma

Ellen and Jake assert that the stigma surrounding mental health is gradually diminishing. When The NAN Project commenced its outreach, discussions around mental health were less common compared to today, where platforms like TikTok and Instagram see influencers sharing their experiences with mental illness.

The organization emphasizes peer mentorship, enabling young adults to guide their peers through discussions on mental health. These interactions create a welcoming environment for students to openly share their thoughts and feelings.

Peer Support and Crisis Management

The NAN Project not only imparts knowledge but also informs students about risk factors and signs of a peer in distress. They teach students how to effectively support friends who may be struggling, reinforcing that it’s okay to talk about their feelings and reach out for help.

Through these presentations, educators are also trained in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) methods, equipping them with the skills to assist struggling students effectively. Notably, schools partnering with The NAN Project have reported a decrease in suicide attempts within ten years of their involvement.

Looking Ahead

Since its inception, The NAN Project has reached a remarkable 1,271 students at Swampscott High School alone. The organization is set to return in December to engage with additional health classes, continuing its mission to foster understanding of mental health.

“Many young people face similar challenges, and there are effective ways to navigate these issues,” Cavanaugh concluded, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conversations about mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7 for confidential support.