“Family-to-Family,” a free, 12-session family education course provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will be offered from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning on March 13, at NAMI NJ, 1562 Route 130 north, North Brunswick.
The course is provided to support families, partners and friends of individuals with mental illness. Course participants gain up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain.
The course teaches participants how to manage crises and solve problems, how to communicate without triggering angry reactions from their loved one, how to effectively advocate for their family member, as well as how to manage their own stress. Crucial information about how to find and utilize local mental health supports and services is provided.
Family-to-Family is listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.
The course is taught by volunteer NAMI-trained family members. Confidentiality is always respected.
The illnesses covered in the course include major depression; bipolar disorder; schizophrenia; schizoaffective disorder; borderline personality disorder; anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive behaviors. Current evidence-based treatments and therapies, including medications and side effects, are presented and discussed.
Anyone interested should call Marilyn at 908-806-3475. Pre-registration by phone is required.