BRATTLEBORO — The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont), aided by a grant from the Vermont Department of Mental Health, continues to offer education and support to those with family members that live with mental illness.
Their program is offered yearly in several counties across Vermont. In addition to helping with the everyday challenges that might be expected by the friends and family of those living with mental illness, the classes provide up-to-date research surrounding mental illness.
Classes run for eight weeks and are free of charge. They will begin Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Attendance in all eight classes is expected if you register.
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.
It 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 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.
Registration for the class is required and can be found at namivt.org or by calling 800-639-6480.