Peer-led courses promise to empower families facing mental health issues

Parents and caregivers of family members living with mental health challenges can easily become overwhelmed. They must cope with confusing behaviors while they urgently seek treatment and paths to recovery for their loved ones. Two programs being offered free of charge by NAMI Southwest CT provide vital information and techniques for overcoming the obstacles. One is focused on children and adolescents, the other on adults.

NAMI Basics: For parents of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges. This 6-week course, beginning September 15, will be taught by two parents whose children faced mental health issues early in life. It provides participants practical insight into treatment and educational options, along with with crucial skills training and peer support. Classes will be held from 6:30-9pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church 884 Newfield Ave Stamford 06905. Advance registration is required by calling Lorraine at 203-858-1477; or Dawn at 203-249-5935.

NAMI Family to Family: For family members helping adults who live with severe mental health challenges. This 11-week course, beginning September 12, will be taught by peers who have themselves learned how to overcome feelings of despair and guilt so often experienced by parents, spouses and siblings. In a structured and confidential format, participants will find out about current medical research, gain empathy and insight into how mental illness is experienced by their loved ones, and learn to cope with stress by focusing on themselves at the same time. Participants will also learn how to become advocates for better treatments and community support. Classes will be held from 7-9:30 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 884 Newfield Ave Stamford 06905. Advance registration is required by calling Marietta at 203-329-8633, or Bob at 203-849-9573.

Both of these NAMI programs teach “evidence-based practices” most likely to produce positive outcomes, and validated through clinical research. All NAMI teachers have completed specialized training to provide peer instruction for other parents and caregivers.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a national, grassroots nonprofit organization for improving the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI Southwest CT serves Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, and Wilton.