About the course

Family-to-Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-week course for family and friends of individuals with serious mental illnesses. Among the conditions discussed are:

• schizophrenia
• major depression
• bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• panic disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• borderline personality disorder
• co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders

Classes have been taught by trained NAMI family members in Colorado Springs since 1999. Each Family-to-Family class:

• provides information about illnesses of the brain and their treatment. You will learn 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.
• includes instruction and exercises on coping skills. You will gain empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness; engage in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques; acquire strategies for handling crises and relapse; and focus on self-care.
• focuses on the power of advocacy. You will receive guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community – Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
  
  

A scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of Family-to-Family conducted by Lisa Dixon, M.D., at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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 course as life-changing.

Our next course

Tuesdays starting July 19, 6-8:30 p.m., downtown Colorado Springs. (Exact location given upon registration.) For more information and/or to register, please call 719.473.8477 or email programs manager Angela Sweeten.