The National Alliance on Mental Illness plans to bring a free 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illnesses to Seymour on Mondays, beginning Feb. 18.
The Family-to-Family classes, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will be at the community room at First Financial Bank, 1130 E. Tipton St.
Registration is required by contacting Sonja Scott at 812-525-3897 or [email protected], Carol Oktavec at 812-521-8832 or [email protected] or Sonnie Warnick at 812-314-5543 or [email protected].
The designated evidenced-based program is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. The program provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact. You can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You also can help others through your own experience. In the program, you’ll learn about:
- How to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
- The impact of mental illness on the entire family