National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) March 2018 Events

Are you feeling stressed and alone in trying to cope with the effects of a loved one’s mental health illness? Join our peer led group monthly meetings and gain insight from others facing similar challenges. NAMI hold their Union County Family Support Group Meetings the third Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, 11 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey. For more information, call 908-233-1628 or email namiunioncounty@yahoo.com.
Free Course on Mental Illness. The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program begins on Thursday evening, March 22. Presented by the Union County Chapter of NAMI, the course meets 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings, over a consecutive 12-week period. Course ends on May 31. It is free-of-charge, with all necessary materials furnished at no cost.
The course is offered specifically to the parents, siblings, spouses, teen-age and adult children, and significant others of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. In a confidential setting, loved ones will learn how to understand and support their ill relative while maintaining their own well-being. The program is not appropriate for individuals who, themselves, suffer from one of the major mental disorders. The course is taught by NAMI members who have completed intensive training.
Curriculum topics include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others, the clinical treatment of these illnesses, and how caregivers can learn to cope more effectively. Attendees will learn about the biology of the brain, new research, medications, skills needed to successfully communicate with a relative, and how to deal with critical periods. Other topics include advocacy, fighting stigma and problem solving.
Classes will meet at St. Agnes Church, 332 Madison Hill Road, Clark, New Jersey. Registration is required prior to the beginning of the course. Call Pat at 732-382-0762 or email patroman2@aol.com. Please include in the subject line: F2F class. A F2F teacher will contact you with the details. Refreshments will be served.
Understanding New Perspectives on Mental Health Diagnoses. The Union County NAMI invites the public to hear a presentation by Anne Lopez, Director of Community Education/Outreach with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. Her goal and mission is to empower families and individuals living with a mental health diagnosis or substance abuse through education and support. The presentation will be held Tuesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at RWJ Rahway Fitness and Wellness Center, 2120 Lamberts Mill Road, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. For more information, call 908-233-1628 or email namiunioncounty@yahoo.com.