(Submitted by National Alliance on Mental Illness)
One in four American families has a member with a mental illness (National Institutes of Mental Health.) Yet though these conditions are far from rare, affected families can feel isolated. They may not know others in their situation, how to cope with their loved one’s symptoms, or how to get him or her the best care.
That’s why NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wood County offers free educational programs and support groups for local families touched by mental illness. This fall three classes and accompanying support groups are being offered. All are free of charge. Those interested may call NAMI Wood County at 419-352-0626 or e-mail info@namiwoodcounty.org for more information or to register.
Family-to-Family is a twelve-session class taught by trained relatives of individuals living with mental illness. The course provides participants with information on mental illnesses, their symptoms and diagnosis, and treatment options. Instructors also share strategies for caring for loved ones with these
conditions. The next Family-to-Family class will begin Monday, September 11 and continue through November 27 from 5:30 -8:00 PM at the NAMI Wood County office, 541 West Wooster Street in Bowling Green. The Family Support Group to accompany the class meets the last Wednesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, also at the NAMI WC office. A group including both family members and peers meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Way Public Library in Perrysburg.
Peer-to-Peer is for adults living with mental illness. A trained facilitator, who is also in recovery from mental illness, covers topics including medications, treatment, options, coping skills, and advocacy. Participants share their struggles and successes with each other and form a network of support. Peer-to-Peer runs from Monday, September 11 through November 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the NAMI Wood County office, 541 West Wooster. NAMI Connection, a support group for Peer-to-Peer participants, meets every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, also at the NAMI WC office. A combined group including both family members and peers meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Way Public Library in Perrysburg.
On September 12 NAMI Basics will begin. This program is for parents and caregivers of a child or adolescent living with a mental illness. NAMI Basics provides participants with up-to- date information of mental illnesses and their impact on the brain, current research on evidence-based therapies, medication, and side effects, and suggestions on navigating the mental health care, school, and juvenile justice systems. Course facilitators—who themselves care for individuals who developed mental illness as children– also share tips on self-care. The six-week course meets from 6:15 to 8:15 every Tuesday. During the class, NAMI WC staff provide a child care program called Kids’ Shop for children able to use the restroom independently.
For thirty years NAMI Wood County has provided education, support, and advocacy for Wood County families affected by mental illness. It is one of over 1,100 NAMI affiliates across the nation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wood County at 419-352-0626 or info@namiwoodcounty.org
