The National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Family-to-Family Program is a nationally recognized program delivered by trained and certified teaching teams who share the experience of having a loved one diagnosed with a mental illness. NAMI Southern Maryland has conducted six courses in the region since the Fall of 2006 with 100 graduates to date.

The program offers participants a wealth of information and materials on the range of serious mental illnesses; current research, treatment, medications, and side effects; strategies for emotional and practical support; tools for effective advocacy with mental healthcare and recovery support providers; and workshops on problem solving and communications skills.

For families under stress, the course provides a safe place to ask questions, discuss mutual issues of concern in a confidential and facilitated environment, and meet other families with shared experiences – often for the first time.

"Serious mental illnesses are among the least talked about medical illnesses, and they are much more common than most people think,” said Connie Walker, President of NAMI Southern Maryland. “Even today, the stigma associated with mental illnesses keeps people from talking about them or asking for help. It’s very sad, because we live in a time when more is known about these illnesses than ever before, and we’re continually learning more.”

Walker went on to state that mental illnesses are treatable, recovery is possible, and so is long term symptom management. In the twenty-first century, a diagnosis of mental illness should carry no more stigma than one of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. “Just as with any serious medical illness – the key to successful treatment is early identification, access to effective treatment and rehabilitative services, and education and support,” said Walker.

“Most of us have known someone working to support a loved one’s treatment for a serious physical illness – like diabetes or cancer – and we know this carries with it an enormous level of stress. Families working to help a love one who has a mental illness are no different. They need information and support to assist their ill relative, and to maintain a sense of balance in their own lives. Without those things, the changes that serious medical illness – of any kind – can bring to the family can be devastating, and the impact on the ill family member – even more so,” Walker continued. “This is where the Family to Family Education Program can help. “

NAMI Southern Maryland’s twelve week Family-to-Family Education Program will begin in Lexington Park on Sept. 9. The course is free. Class will meet every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 46707 Shangri-La Drive. Seating is limited so registration is required. Call Joe at (391) 481-5733 or Connie at (301) 475-3434 for more information or to register.  Inquiries may also be made via email to namisomd@verizon.net.

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