Workshop's focus is mental illness

Aug. 04--Thirteen years ago, Ron and Linda Ball's lives changed dramatically after their youngest daughter attempted suicide.

That sent the family on a journey through the world of mental illness, filled with heartache and confusion.

It took six years, countless doctors and another suicide attempt before Lauren received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. By then, the family had learned to navigate the mental health system and face the negative stereotypes that plague people with mental illness.

And they wanted to share their experiences with other families, to help them through similar journeys.

Four years ago, Lauren began teaching workshops for people with mental illness, and her parents began leading Family-to-Family courses.

The free, 12-week Family-to-Family workshop is coming up this fall, and registration is now open. The class will be held Mondays from Sept. 8 through Nov. 24.

The course is run through the support organization National Alliance on Mental Illness Rappahannock.

Ron and Linda have taught the class together three times, and he taught it once on his own.

"Family-to-Family is always a very positive experience for everyone who participates," Ron said. "Many people say they wish they had know about and taken the class sooner. It would have saved them a lot of time and anguish."

Classes will focus on mental illnesses, brain chemistry, medications and treatments, communication skills, coping strategies and more.

"The class provides these caregivers with a wealth of knowledge while also providing them with much-needed personal support," Rappahannock president David Vaughn said in a press release.

Participants will learn about research and community resources. They will also get to interact with others who understand what they're going through.

"Many people who attend the class express having a revelation or epiphany," Ron said. "It's a life-changing experience. It's empowering and can provide some peace of mind."

Amy Umble: 540/735-1973

aumble@freelancestar.com

WANT TO GO?

Family-to-Family will meet Mondays, from Sept. 8 through Nov. 24, in Fredericksburg. Meetings are held from 7-9:30 p.m. To register, contact instructors Ron and Linda Ball at 540/972-7023, linda@inroads.cc or ronball@gmail.com. Registration is limited to 20 individuals.

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