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Jan 11 08 O2:42p
What families should know
about mental illnesses:
They are
biological, medical disorders
in the brain.
Mental illnesses are no one’s ‘fault.’ They are
not
the result of inadequate parenting or lame
excuses for bad behavior or poor life choices; they
are
very real alterations in thinking, mood,
and behavior that often bring chaos to the lives associated with them.
Though statistics show that those living with brain disorders are no more prone to violence
than others, this is a commonly held misconception. Still, concern for the rapidly increasing
numbers of individuals dealing with addictions, homelessness, crime, physical and emotional
abuse, suicide or self-harm,
and
the judicial system is valid. If we are to effect social change,
any discussion of these and other maladies must include the topic of mental illness. Serious
brain disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-
compulsive disorder are so widely misunderstood
and
so exceptionally feared, they are
glossed over or go entirely ignored when these important issues are being addressed.
The steps for lasting change begin with correct
and
clear information. For anyone who is a
caregiver, family member, significant other, or friend to someone with a severe
and
persistent
mental illness, there is a class you should consider taking: Family-To-Family.
The Family-
To-Family Education Course is
FREE
. Classes run for twelve consecutive weeks, one 2-
1/2 hour class per week. The co-teachers are fully trained instructors.
Important components of the course include:
Information
about schizophrenia,
bipolar
and depressive illnesses, OCD. panic disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Coping skills: Handling crises and relapse.
Listening and communication techniques.
Problem solving
and
limit setting.
Self.care
for
caregivers: Learning
how to
recognize
the normal emotional reactions to chronic
worry
and stress.
Basic information about medications.
Information about connecting with appropriate community supports.
Advocacy: Getting better services, fighting stigma,
and
recovery.
Spring class will be held on Tuesdays March 18, 2008 through June 3,
2008 at the NAMI Office 6:00pm
—
8:30pm. *Advance registration is
required.*
Contact:
NAMI
of Erie County Affiliate Office for more information at 456-1773
OPEN YOUR MIND. TREATMENT WORKS!
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