Series of classes for caregivers of those with mental illness set to begin

Mental Illness affects one in five adults in the United States, and 21 % of youth. If you have friends or family members dealing with the more serious side of mental illness, there is an upcoming series of classes that may benefit you.

NAMI El Dorado (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is holding a six week class structured to help caregivers, family members, and friends understand and support individuals with serious mental illness such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Major Depression, Co-occurring Brain and Addictive Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It is important for friends, family members and caregivers to maintain their own well-being, and these classes are geared toward helping.

The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like to have a loved one struggling with one of these brain disorders. There is no cost to participate in the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program. Over 300,000 people in the U.S., Canada,Mexico, and Italy have completed this course.

Call Jeanne Nelson at 650-740-5776 to register. The classes begin on Saturday, October 10 and are on held on Saturdays through November 10 at Lake Tahoe Community College.

Comments from past participants:

“Before I took the course, I felt so alone and overwhelmed. I have learned very valuable information, met others who are going through the same thing I am going through and have learned about many resources that are available that I never knew existed.”

“Had I taken this class 20 years ago, it may have changed the course of my life and family.”

“My life before the class was non-existent. It’s the best thing I could have done. I learned to not let my daughter’s actions upset me, and to not be angry with her, because it’s not her fault.”

“The class has given me more information than nine counselors and one shrink. It is a wonderful, amazing class full of information that has helped me to be able to look at my son differently. He says the course has really helped him too because of the way I have changed how I relate to him.”

“I learned more in this class than in my 20+ years as a nurse. I wish I knew about it sooner.”