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                 Mental Illness in our family leads to so many questions........               

                            How can I get a clear diagnosis for my relative?

                  What do I do if there is a crisis?

                              How can my relative and I communicate better?

                                             What local services in my community am I missing out on?

                                                             How do I take care of myself in all of this?    

                                                                           What are all these medications for?

                               What are the best treatments now available for my relative?

There has got to be somewhere to turn......

The NAMI Family-To-Family Education Program

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week course for families of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is taught by trained family members. All course materials are furnished at no cost to you. The curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to be able to cope more effectively.

Course topics include:

1. Learning about feelings, learning about facts.
2. Schizophrenia, major depression and mania: diagnosis and dealing with critical periods.
3. Subtypes of depression and bipolar disorder, panic disorder and OCD; diagnosis and causes; sharing our stories.
4. The biology of the brain/new research.
5. Problem-solving workshop.
6. Medication review.
7. Empathy workshop--what it's like to have a brain disorder.
8. Communication skills workshop.
9. Self-care and relative groups.
10. Rehabilitation services available.
11. Advocacy; fighting stigma.
12. Review and certification ceremony.

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