What is NAMI?
NAMI is America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness.
How can NAMI help me?
NAMI provides local support groups for consumers, friends, family members, and significant others.
For information on local NAMI activities:
Family to Family Education Program
What is NAMI's Family-to-Family Program?
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.
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The course is taught by trained family members
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All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
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Over 115,000 family members have graduated from this national program
What does the course include?
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Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
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Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
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Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
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Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
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Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
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Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
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Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
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Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
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Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
To see if this program is offered near you, contact your local and state NAMI affiliates.
Hand to Hand Education Program
Hand to Hand is an eight-week education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among families of children with emotional/mental/neurobiological disorders. This course is similar to the Family-to-Family education program in structure and goals, with each week of the curriculum dedicated to a particular aspect of having a child with a mental illness. Topics covered include: understanding your child's diagnosis; developing family coping skills; counseling and therapy; medications; special educational needs; and juvenile justice and child protection agencies. Guidance on locating appropriate support and services within the community and obtaining better mental health services as well as advocacy for appropriate federal and state policies are also included. To find out more about the course visit the NAMI Ohio website or contact the affiliate.
To see if this program is offered near you, contact your local and state NAMI affiliates.
Links:
www.nami.org
www.namiohio.org
