“Did you know that approximately 1 in 5 Americans lives with mental illness?

Did you know that approximately 25% of all deaths annually occur due to suicide?

These statistics are believed to be on the low side, because as I’m sure you know: mental illness is one of the last remaining taboo topics in America. For people living with mental illness the pain and stigma can be overwhelming.

For family and friends of those living with mental illness it can be incredibly confusing and stressful to not understand the illness or how to deal with the behaviors. Lack of understanding and awareness puts strain on relationships. There is help.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, whose purpose is advocacy and education about mental illness. Mesquite Behavioral Health Center will be hosting a NAMI Family to Family course designed for loved ones (over the age of 18 years) of individuals living with mental illness. It’s taught by trained family members of individuals living with mental illness.

Participants will receive critical, evidence-based information and strategies related to caregiving, in an engaging, supportive and non-judgmental environment. Participants will be given up-to-date information about a range of mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, co-occurring brain and addictive disorders, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The course will run from 9 am -3 pm for six Saturdays, between July 16-August 20, 2016. Registration is required. For more information or to register for the course, please call 435-676-3950.”