National Alliance on Mental Illness
Family-to-Family Education

NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program

NAMI Franklin County is now registering for Winter 2012 sessions of Family-to-Family classes. Family-to-Family is a 12-week class of education and support for family members of an adult who has a mental illness. One class remains:

• Northeast Columbus: Thursdays, 6:30 to 9:00 pm beginning February 23

Registration is required. Space is limited and classes are filled on a first-come basis. Call our office or send an email to mail@namifc.org.

NAMI's acclaimed Family-to-Family education program is a free, extended course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

The Family-to-Family course includes:

• Current information about Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder (manic depression), Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Co-Occurring Brain Disorders and Addictive Disorders;
• Information on medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence;
• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery;
• Empathy enhancement gained through understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person dealing with severe mental illness;
• Special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques;
• Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse;
• Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload;
• Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community;
• Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services.

The course is taught by trained family members. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants. Over 115,000 family members have graduated from this national program.