Educational Program for Families with Mental Illness

NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago affiliate will be offering the first in a series of 12 sessions of its Family to Family, educational series April 3, 2019, 7 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church, 10700 Kean Avenue, Palos Hills, Illinois. The program will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 9 . The program is free but requires registration.

It is designed for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is taught by NAMI-trained family members of loved ones who live with mental illness, and it includes presentations, discussion, interactive exercises, and strategies for taking care of the person you love. The group setting provides mutual support, compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation.

Class topics include:

· 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.

· Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence.

· Research related to the biology of brain disorders and evidence-based treatments to promote recovery.

· Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness.

· Problem solving, listening, and communication techniques.

· Acquiring strategies for handling mental health crises and relapse.

www.namisouthsuburbsofchicago.org Facebook – NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago