For the City Times

Spots are still available for upcoming National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) workshops for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Family to Family, a 12-week course for family members and friends who have a loved one suffering from a serious mental illness, begins September 10 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Stevens Point.

The course is designed to have participants gain a better understanding of mental illness, to improve problem solving and communication skills, to find emotional support and to be able to better advocate for their loved ones. It is taught by trained family members who have experience with loved ones living with mental illness and can relate on a personal level to those seeking knowledge and support.

Class size is limited so register now by contacting Kathy Hartman by phone at 715-341-4483 or 715-254-5452, or by [email protected]

The Peer to Peer Education Program is a ten-week course open to anyone living with a mental health condition. It begins September 8 in Stevens Point at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The courses will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are taught by trained peers who are living well with a mental illness.

Lectures, discussion, interactive exercises and stress management techniques are included in the programs. Peer to Peer is a recovery focused course that helps prevent relapse and encourages active participation in achieving and maintaining mental wellness.

Please contact Kay Jewell for more information and to register by calling 715-254-1864, or by e-mailing [email protected]

NAMI is a grassroots, non-profit support, founded in Wisconsin. Its mission is to education, advocate and combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.

One in every five people is affected by a mental health condition in any given year; one in seventeen lives with a serious mental illness. Some of the difficulties that can accompany such illnesses include family chaos and crisis, multiple hospitalizations, employment and financial problems, legal issues, suicide attempts, poor housing options, stigma and insufficient insurance.

NAMI recognizes the impact a mental health disorder has on the individual as well as the entire family.NAMI believes that mental illnesses are treatable and that hope and recovery are possible, for both individuals that are affected and for their family members and friends.

Sometimes the hope and recovery revealed is very different from one’s original expectations. The challenges and complications that serious mental health conditions bring to families and individuals are often too great to be managed without sufficient education and support from others who have “been there”. The practical information and support gained from the courses will have a positive effect.

These classes are held every two years in Portage County and fill up quickly, so call now to register.

Registration:For Family to Family, contact Kathy at 715-341-4483 or 715-254-5452, [email protected]

For Peer to Peer, contact Kay at 715-254-1864, [email protected]

For more information go to http://www.NAMI.org.