FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER – A Shelby County-based mental health support organization is looking to support those who support loved ones facing mental illness over the next several weeks, as it is preparing to launch its free Family-to-family program.

The Shelby County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will begin the educational program on Monday, March 5. The free course will be held in the Physicians Center of Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, and will be from 6-8:30 p.m. each Monday for 12 weeks. All course materials will be provided, and registration is required.

The program is geared toward family members and friends of individuals living with mental illness, and is led by trained family members who have lived the experience.

Course topics will include:

-Symptoms of schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder

-Subtypes of depression and bipolar disorder, OCD, borderline and personality disorder

-Basics of brain biology and causes of brain disorders

-Problem-solving workshop

-Medication review

-Empathy: Inside mental illness

-Communication skills workshop

-Self-care

-Rehabilitation: Making choices for recovery

-Advocacy: Fighting stigma

To learn more about the program, or to register for the program, contact Laura at 267-2986 or laurajnh@gmail.com or Sherryl at 305-0782 or sherryltreslar.nami@gmail.com.