NAMI offering free course on mental illness issues

January 23, 2014

by Gini Woodward Family to Family, a twelve week course for family and friends of individuals with mental illness, is being offered by the Far North Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The course, facilitated by trained family members, will start on Monday, February 9 in the Panhandle Health classroom in Bonners Ferry from 6:00-8:30 p.m. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants. The NAMI-sponsored program presents current information about depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders. Each class focuses on a subject, including up-to-date information about medications, understanding the mentally ill relative, problem solving, and communication. In addition, family members learn techniques for self care, strategies for handling crisis and relapse, and receive guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community. Finally, family members are informed about advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services. Nationwide, over 115,000 family members have graduated from the Family to Family program. The program was first offered to Bonner and Boundary Counties in 2007. This is the fifth program to be held in Bonners Ferry. The class is limited in size and fills quickly. For more information or to register, please call Gini Woodward 208-267-5638. The classes will be facilitated by Gini Woodward and Candi Kelly. To learn more about NAMI, visit www.nami.org The local chapter, NAMI Far North, meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Bonner General Health Classroom at the hospital in Sandpoint. A brief business meeting is followed by a speaker program and support groups. Anyone with mental illness concerns is invited to attend. NAMI Far North is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness by providing education, support, and advocacy.