Local NAMI chapter offers Family-to-Family course next month

By Beth Ranagan

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — NAMI Piscataquis County, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is pleased to announce that it will be offering NAMI’s signature Family-to-Family course in Dover-Foxcroft starting in April. The 12-week course is free to family members and friends of those with serious mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, depression, PTSD, dual diagnosis, and anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.

    Designed in 1990 by psychologist Dr. Joyce Burland, who has a sister and a daughter with schizophrenia, the course is for those who live the experience of having a family member with mental illness. It arose from her own pain and frustration to understand the illness, what to do to help, and how to get care for her loved ones. It is offered in 48 states, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Ontario.
    The classes are taught by trained volunteer family members who have lived the experience. It is updated regularly as new research is made available. Class topics include understanding the characteristics of the illnesses; brain structure and function; medications; communication; self care; recovery; and, advocacy. During classes, participants can connect with others sharing similar stories to realize that they are not alone in this experience.
    For more information and registration, call Beth (924-7903) or Debbie (564-2393).