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There's help for those battling mental illness

The Herald Journal - 1/17/2017

To the editor:

For several years there’s been an increasing discussion about mental illness in the media, particularly since a number of celebrities have opened up about their struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, etc., and as a number of violent acts have been tied to people with some kind of mental imbalance, such as in the recent case of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting. That increased awareness is a good thing, for the most part, but we still have a long way to go in our understanding and treatment of this often-debilitating health issue, and in eliminating the stigma and humiliation too often associated with it. No doubt there will continue to be questions and controversies concerning its causes and management for a long time, but while the research and learning processes continue, it’s critical that we — family, friends, and society in general — provide as much help and hope as possible to those caught in the maddening reality of a brain disorder. And that’s why the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works hard to provide educational programs and support services for people who are dealing with this problem on a daily basis.

In Cache Valley we’re blessed to have a very committed, caring, and experienced group of volunteers who conduct free classes for those battling a mental illness, as well as for family members and other interested individuals. The Family-to-Family class for 2017 began on Wednesday, Jan. 12, but will still accept newcomers for a short time. This is a highly-informative and interactive class which sheds light on the challenges of living with a family member suffering from any of a number of brain disorders, and offers coping skills, hope, and an opportunity to talk openly with — and learn from (even cry with, occasionally) — others who are going through similar experiences. Topics include such things as the signs, symptoms, and emotional stages of mental illnesses; schizophrenia, depression, and mania; obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, and panic disorders; the biology of the brain and new research; what it’s like to have a brain disorder; medications; communication skills; and advocacy for the mentally ill. Some friends and I attended these classes several years ago, and they were invaluable. The Peer-to-Peer class (an updated, improved version of the former Bridges program), for people with a mental health issue that interferes with their ability to enjoy a normal, successful, happy life, will begin again on Thursday evening, Jan. 26. A weekly support group is also available to these individuals, along with a monthly support group for families. More information about times, locations, and other details can be found by contacting NAMI Cache Valley at (435) 787-4165, or by visiting their website at www.namiut.org.

Dena Rock

Logan