BRATTLEBORO — The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont will begin the new year by educating and offering support to those with family members who live with mental illness.
According to a news release, this “life changing” program is offered yearly in several counties across Vermont. In addition to helping with the everyday challenges that might be expected for the friends and family of those living with mental illness, the classes provide up-to-date research surrounding mental illness.
Classes run for 12 weeks and will begin Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. Attendance in all 12 classes is expected if you register.
Many family members and friends want what is best for their loved ones living with a mental health condition, but often don't know where to start or how to help.
There are more than 300,000 family member graduates of the Family-to-Family program nationwide. This program aims to educate families about a variety of mental health diagnoses such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring mental health and addiction conditions.
The class offers up-to-date information about wellness and recovery, treatment, medications and their side effects, mindfulness and whole health modalities, and other psychosocial options. Not only are participants taught how to empathize with and understand the person living with mental illness, but they will also learn how to address their own needs, coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload.
This unique and helpful class is 12 weeks long, occurring once weekly, free of charge. It is registered on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's list of evidence-based programs.