Etc - NAMI course helps folks assist those with mental illness

Feb. 07--It's been years ago, but one of the best gifts a daughter of ours and I gave ourselves was learning about various brain disorders through a series of Family-to-Family meetings hosted by the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Specifically, we wanted to know more about panic anxiety disorder, which had impacted several of our relations at one time or another.

More than 19 million American adults are affected by an anxiety disorder.

Children and adolescents also develop anxiety disorders, according to the Mental Health Association. It can manifest itself through panic attacks, scary physical symptoms, traumatic event flashbacks, nightmares, obsessive thoughts or perhaps becoming housebound.

Putting a face on it and its causes helped us cope and learn how to deal with it. Finding out more about other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder through the meetings was a bonus.

NAMI reports "research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition."

Families, partners and friends of those coping with mental illness can learn more through the Family-to-Family education course that facilitates a better understanding of mental illness, increases coping skills and empowers participants to become advocates for their family members and friends.

Over 12 weeks, the National Alliance on Mental Illness's free course will cover critical information and strategies while looking at topics that range from an overview of five major mental illnesses; the latest research on causes and treatment; medications; support; advocacy and promoting self-care.

NAMI notes that participants learn how to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively; take care of themselves and manage their stress; develop confidence and stamina to provide compassionate support; find and use local supports and services; gain the most current details on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain; what the treatments are, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects and how mental illness impacts the entire family.

The local course will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning this Tuesday, and run through May 26 at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, 77 Wainwright Drive, and enter from the parking lot behind the outpatient clinic.

Class is limited to 20 participants. For more details or to sign up, call Bobi at 509-525-5200 ext. 22800, Eloise at 529-0089 or NAMI at 529-6160.

Annie Charnley Eveland can be reached at annieeveland@wwub.com or afternoons at 526-8313.

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