Family-to-family support group starts this Thursday

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Family members of people with mental illness often lead challenging lives. Many times they feel alone in their situation, unsure of which way to turn for help. The mental illness encountered by their loved one impacts them emotionally, economically, physically, and spiritually.

NAMI was formed in 1979 because family members in Madison felt frustrated by their situations, and believed that if they could work together understanding, supporting and advocating they would be stronger and more successful in their fight against mental illness.

The role of family has long been recognized as a key component in psychiatric rehabilitation of family members.

With this in mind, the Family-to-Family education and support group was launched on a national scale.

Certified trainers Denise Hackle of Spring Valley and Theresa Mariana of River Falls will be offering Family to Family training to family members of people with mental illnesses on Thursdays at 6 p.m. from Sept. 3-Nov. 19 at Servant of the Shepherd Church at 103 N. Fourth St.

Subject material ranges from education about different mental illnesses and treatment through medicine and therapy to family coping strategies, support and advocacy. There is no charge for the class.

The class is taught by family members and is for family members, caregivers, spouses, friends, siblings, children, and parents.

Bruce Powers who attended the F2F class last fall said, “I learned a lot. There’s a lot of really good information and the people are very supportive.”

The meetings will be open for the first three weeks -- new members can be accepted through Thursday, Sept. 17. After that the group will become closed for confidentiality reasons.

Tags: church news, mental illness support, servant of the shepherd church, lifestyle, nami