NAMI Family-to-Family

[DriftlessRider]

My wife and I are attending NAMI Family-to-Family class, and we're finding it quite helpful. We haven't found any simple solutions or silver bullets yet, but have gained a deeper awareness.

It's a twelve session class, ours is spread over 6 weeks. We just finished session 10. It's offered through the public school's community education program.

There is a lot of reading and listening: we've been through the definitions of various mental diseases, brain chemistry and the types and classes of medicines used to treat symptoms. But also a lot of talking and sharing. We talked about helpful methods of communicating with our mentally ill family member. Also sharing of personal stories, problem solving with each other, and talking about self-care.

There is a couple there who just realized they were in crisis with a teenage girl. There is a couple who has lived many years with their bipolar son. Some people there are living through traumatic situations I can barely begin to comprehend. Our situation is much less stressful then most in the room.  It's wide range of experiences.

I don't think of myself of the type who does group therapy and I am not especially open. Ya know, I'm a guy. But this has been really great. I've learned a lot from the other people there, and have been treated with care and respect. I've got much comfort, and only a few new fears  We may have even made some friendships that will last beyond the class.

Anyways, that's my experience, and my recommendation. It's pretty wonderful.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Seekinghelp25]

Thank you for the recommendations.

How long are each sessions, and how do you register for NAMI-FAMILY-TO-FAMILY?

[DriftlessRider]

How long are each sessions, and how do you register for NAMI-FAMILY-TO-FAMILY?

Ours run from 6:30-9:00 in the evening. I found this, it may help to find if there are any near you: https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI/Programs?classkey=a1x36000003TN9YAAW

Even if a Family-to-Family isn't available, I've been surprised at how comfortable and helpful talking about these issues with fellow sufferers has been. This forum is very nice, but the face-to-face has been good to. Our NAMI has monthly support group meetings in addition that we've attended a few times. There may be others run by different organizations near you?

[wendydarling]

Hi DriftlessRider

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's great to hear you've gained much from your NAMI family programme and meeting other parents face to face.

I don't think of myself of the type who does group therapy and I am not especially open. Ya know, I'm a guy. But this has been really great

You made me smile   BPD certainly pushes us guys and girls out of our comfort zone, to a healthier us.

I'm in the UK. I wish we had similar for families here. I'm grateful to bpdfamily; Family Connections Programme resources and support here has been a lifeline for me in turning my situation around, getting to a better place.

For everyone reading there is also
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/family-connections/family-connections-pre-registration-form/
Led by Valerie Porr www.tara4BPD.org/

I'm sure you give your daughter comfort knowing you're learning alongside her.

WDx