About the Class

The next class will begin on Tuesday, September 17. 
​
​This six week course is taught by trained family members. All course materials are furnished without charge. The class is for families, partners and friends of individuals with mental illnesses. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their loved ones. This program was designated as an evidence-based program by SAMSHA.

The Family to Family Course Topics include:

• Learning about feelings, learning about facts
• Schizophrenia, major depression and mania; diagnosis and dealing with critical periods.
• Sub-types of depression and bipolar disorder, panic disorder and OCD; diagnosis; sharing our stories
• The biology of the brain/new research
• Problem solving workshop
• Medication review
• Empathy workshop--what it's like to have a brain disorder
• Communication skills workshop
• Self-care and relative groups
• Rehabilitation, services available
• Advocacy: fighting stigma and for improved access to better treatment
• Review and certification

This highly sought after course is ABSOLUTELY FREE, but teachers ask that family caretakers commit to attending all 12 evening classes, 2 hours twice a week for 6 weeks. There is space for 25 persons.

If you are interested in participating, please use the registration form or call NAMI Whatcom office at (360) 671-4950.