Free class series for people who love someone with a mental illness | Clackamas and Yamhill Counties

According to some graduates of this 12-week series, the impact of taking this course is life changing. Taught by family members of people struggling with serious mental illness, the class covers current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain and addictive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Because their lives have been touched by mental illness of a loved one, these “peer teachers” are well-equipped to address issues such as strategies for handling crises and relapses, care for the caregiver, and coping with caregiver worry, stress, and emotional overload.

“It was a stroke of genius to train people as teachers who have a family member with a serious mental illness,” says one former class participant. “Not only could they contribute ideas and knowledge from their own experience, but they also really understood what class members are going through.”

Other topics include:

• Up-to-date information about medications and their side effects
• Strategies for medication adherence
• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and evidence-based indicators for recovery
• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective experience of a person with a mental illness
• Guidance on locating appropriate community supports and services
• Information on advocacy initiatives to improve and expand services

This 12-week class series is being offered in the following two locations and begins on different dates:

• In Wilsonville Wednesday evenings, beginning September 7th
• In Newberg Monday evenings, beginning September 12th

  For Wilsonville registration, call (503)344-5050 or e-mail nami.clackamas@gmail.com and reference Family-to-family class – Wilsonville.

  For Newberg registration, call (503) 916-9504 or e-mail dorothy.namiyh.@mail.com.