NAMI plans mental illness program

The Sussex County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Sussex) and Family Partners of Morris and Sussex is offering the course on Saturday mornings Oct. 5 until Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Family Partners, 67 Spring Street, Newton, N.J.

Two trained teachers who have children of their own with mental health challenges will teach the course. The comprehensive curriculum covers Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Childhood Schizophrenia. Parents of children on the autism spectrum may also find the course helpful.

Course participants will gain empathy and insight into the emotional experience of the child living with mental health challenges. As caregivers, they will learn effective listening, communication and problem-solving skills. Acknowledgment of the stresses and strains on the family, including siblings, is an important component of the course.

Current research related to the biology of mental health conditions is covered in the course, along with how to get an accurate diagnosis for a child. Treatment options are discussed, including how medications work and their pros and cons in the treatment of children. Families will learn how to find supports and services within the school system and community.

For more information, or to register for the course, call 973-214-0632 or email nami.sussex@gmail.com. Class size is limited to 15. Interested parents/family caregivers are urged to register as soon as possible.