Announcing the Nami Family-to-Family Education Course in Cd'A

Family-to-Family, an education program specifically for families of persons diagnosed with serious mental illness, is being offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Coeur d'Alene Affiliate. The 12-week series of classes will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29. NAMI Coeur d'Alene is proud to offer this class with the support of area grants from 3Cs, Idaho Community Foundation, Kiwanis Cd'A, Peg and Rick Young Family Foundation, Nelson Family Foundation and Women's Gift Alliance designated funds.

The course will teach families to better understand living with the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD and OCD/panic disorder. Information will be presented regarding handling crisis and relapse, basic information about medications, communication and problem solving techniques, rehabilitation and skills for coping with worry and prolonged stress. The class will be taught by NAMI volunteers who have experience loving someone with a neuro-biological condition known as mental illness. These volunteer class leaders have received specialized training to deliver a curriculum that was developed by experienced family members and mental health professionals.

"When the symptoms of mental illness are significant, families are often in despair. This is a life-changing class," says class leader Heather Taber. "It combines basic education about mental illnesses with emotional support and strategies to make a difference for families."

The course is designed specifically for parents, siblings, spouses, adult children and significant others of persons with severe and persistent mental illness.

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course is free to participants. For more information or to register call Susie (208) 772-9650 or Agnes (208) 664-8485.