Those who care for or about people with mental illness face daily challenges. Their loved ones’ symptoms can be hard to understand and even harder to live with. They may wonder how best to help their loved one, or to get help for him or her.
That’s why NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Wood County offers its free Family-to-Family class. This course for relatives, caregivers, and friends of people with mental illness educates participants about mental illness’ symptoms and treatments. It educates them about local resources, helping them to navigate through the mental health system. Family-to-Family begins September 12 at 5:30 PM in the NAMI Wood County office (541 West Wooster, Bowling Green.) The twelve-week course also allows participants to share coping strategies with each other. Its trained facilitators have also cared for family members struggling with mental illness.
Family-to-Family was one of the first classes NAMI Wood County offered when it formed in 1987. Graduates of the course give it high marks. One graduate stated: “My outlook on our son and his mental illness has changed. I now understand why he does what he does and have a different outlook on dealing with it. “ Another says: “The class has been life-changing. “ Family-to-Family has been designated an evidence-based practice by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The class combines presentations, personal testimonials, and exercises in an informal, relaxed setting.
Family-to-Family is just one of the many free courses and support groups NAMI Wood County offers. For more information on other classes and events, please call NAMI Wood County at (419) 352-0626 or go online at www.namiwoodcounty.org.
