|
Home
What We Offer
Support
Advocacy
Meeting Schedule
|
|
What We Offer
Education
Sometimes what you
don't know can hurt you! And it can hurt the progress toward recovery of the
family member or friend who has a mental illness. Also, many of our problems are
associated with fear. With mental illness there is a fear associated with
the illness itself as in panic disorders. The caretakers also have a fear
associated with the unknown course that the disease will take. These fears can
have a disastrous result on all concerned. Education or knowledge has a way of
reducing fear. For most, it gives us a rational basis on which to govern our
thought processes. It would be safe to say that most of what we believe
regarding mental illness is not based on "good" science but on
"bad" information, such as stereotyping, that has been passed along
and has formed our views on what we believe about mental illness.
Until recently, good (factual) information about mental illness was difficult to
come by. Not any more!. NAMI has, through its internet site, made available
volumes of information that can be used to educate anyone who wants to know
about any facet of mental illness. This knowledge has the potential to alleviate
many of our fears. In addition to the national NAMI site, NAMI-BC has
started a library in our office which contains books, brochures, videos, etc.,
all of which attempt to provide information and knowledge that can be used. Many
of our resources are free for the taking and others can be checked out for
reading or viewing. From time to time, we will include information on the
NAMI-BC website which we think may be of help as well.
Programs
NAMI affiliates offer intensive educational programs on various aspects of mental illness. Teachers are trained by the state NAMI organization. Classes generally meet one night a week for several weeks.
Current NAMI-BC classes:
Family-to-Family
A 12-week program, taught by family members for family members on brain disorders, brain function, medications, problem-solving, the subjective experience of mental illness, more effective communication with your mentally ill family member, self-care, the concept of recovery, and advocacy.
This class runs twice a year: Spring - Eastern Shore (Daphne or Fairhope)
Fall - South Baldwin (Foley or Gulf Shores)
Contact Lynn Adams at 967-7630
Basics (NEW - Fall 2009)
A 6-week program, taught by parents of children/adolescents with mental illness for other parents/guardians on brain disorders, treatment, coping skills, and advocating for your child.
First class will be offered in the fall of 2009 (location TBA)
Contact Lynn Adams at 967-7630
Last Updated 7-25-09
|
