09/15: For Family Caregivers of Persons with Mental Illness

The Family to Family Education Program is a free 12 week course for family caregivers and significant others of persons diagnosed with a serious mental illness.  The free 12 week series of classes will begin on Wednesday evenings starting September 15, 2010 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM in Wytheville, Virginia.  Registration is required and class size is limited. 

The course will present information about the following serious mental illnesses: schizophrenia, the mood disorders (major depression and bipolar disorder), post traumatic stress disorder, panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder.  Other topics covered include:  basic information about medications, listening and communication techniques; an empathy workshop – what is it like to have a brain disorder; problem-solving skills; recovery and rehabilitation; and the importance of self-care related to worry and stress.

The program will be taught by Barbara Bartnik, a volunteer teacher trained by NAMI.  She has taught this program in both Ohio and Indiana over the last 15 years.   As a daughter, whose father was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 6 years old, Barbara knows first-hand the challenges that families face when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

For more information or to register for the free NAMI Family to Family Education Program sponsored by NAMI Virginia, call Barb Bartnik (276-686-5590) or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The class is limited to 20 people.   Registration is required, call early to reserve your place in the fall class.