Class Description     What Participants Say

Family-to-Family Class...

Have you ever asked youself the following 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 this?
• What are all these medications for?
• What are the best treatments now available for my relative?

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 classes are attended by other family members just like you in a confidential setting.

The curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discussed the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

Benefits include:

• Learn how families unite together against this disability.
• Learn all about the biology of brain disorders- known as mental illnesses.
• Take a fascinating look inside some of today's current research on brain disorders.
• Learn about what your relative is actually experiencing.

The Family to Family course topics include:

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

These classes fill up quickly, contact us today if you are intertesed in attending one of our upcoming classes. For more information call 301-949-5852 x 101.