Enroll Today! Contact the NAMI-CS office at 719-743-8477, or Kathy Brandt, Colorado Springs Family to Family Coordinator 719-686-1347.
History "It was a stroke of genius to train people as teachers who have a family member with a serious mental illness. Not only could they contribute ideas and knowledge from their own experience, but they also really understood what the class members are going through." - Class Participant
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS...
What do I do if there is a crisis? How can I get a clear diagnosis for my relative? How can my relative and I communicate better? What local services in my community am I missing out on? What are all these medications for? What are the best treatments now available for my relative? How do I take care of myself in all of this?
FAMILY-to-FAMILY is a free 12-week course for family and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. Classes are taught by trained NAMI family members.
The Family-to-Family course provides information about illnesses of the brain and their treatment:
- 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 - Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence - Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
The Course includes instruction and exercises on coping skills:
- Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness - Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques - Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse - Focusing on care for the caregiver; coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
The Course focuses on the power of advocacy:
- Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community - Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
A recent scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of NAMI's Family-to-Family program, conducted by Lisa Dixon, M.D., at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the VA, showed that course participants gained a greater understanding of mental illness, coped much better, worried less, and felt newly empowered to advocate for better treatment and services for their relative. Many family members describe the impact of taking this course as life changing.
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program wants to help you take steps toward these demonstrated goals. Across this country, the course has educated thousands of families just like yours. You will join other family members and friends with similar experiences. Start making a real difference in your life today!
In Colorado Springs, we are currently accepting registrations for our two Family-to-Family courses. One in northern Colorado Springs and one in central Colorado Springs. Class size is limited. Call Kathy Brandt for information and to Register - 473-8477, through the NAMI Office.
One of the most important things we tell course participants: "The best way to take care of your family member is to first take care of yourself."
We also say up front and repeatedly: "You cannot know what no one has yet told you."
