Family-to-Family mental illness education program at St. Philip's | Events

Mental illness touches the lives of many in our community, where one in four persons is diagnosed with a mental disorder each year.  Because of stigma and misunderstanding, these individuals and their families often suffer in silence and struggle alone.

St. Philip’s Mental Illness Ministry is pleased to present a Family-to-Family Education Program sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

This free, 12-week course for family, friends, and loved ones of adults living with mental illness begins on Wednesday, February 20, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., in the Palo Verde Room at St. Philip's. The course is taught by trained family members and includes current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and  co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders; up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence; current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery; gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness; learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques; acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse; focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload; guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community; and information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services.

All instruction and course materials are free to class participants. Enrollment is limited. Contact Judy Kowalick at NAMI: 622-5582 or jkowalick@namisa.org. 

St. Philip’s Mental Illness Ministry is committed to developing a caring faith community through education about mental illness and available resources, hospitality and a warm welcome to everyone affected by mental illness, and support for individuals and their families.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. The office phone number is 299-6421. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or on the east side under our new solar parking structure. Palo Verde is in La Parroquia, the small building at the south of the church campus.