NAMI-Sussex honors course graduates

SUSSEX COUNTY — The most recent Sussex County graduates of NAMI’s 12-week Family-to-Family course were honored Wednesday, Nov. 30, by the Sussex County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Eleven participants successfully completed the intensive 30-hour course created by NAMI to help family members of persons with mental illness. NAMI recognizes that not only do persons stricken with mental illness face a difficult struggle, but so do the person’s immediate family members. NAMI’s Family-to-Family course is nationally renowned for helping families address the difficult issues caregivers typically face. Over 200,000 family members throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Italy have taken the course. For many, the class provides their first opportunity to speak openly to members of other families dealing with similar issues, and to know that they are not alone. The course helps participants to understand that they are not to blame for their loved one’s illness, and that the person suffering from the illness should not be blamed, either. Most mental illnesses are the result of biologically-based brain disorders. Anyone interested in learning more about this course and other programs offered by NAMI should call 973-214-0632, or visit the NAMI-Sussex website, www.nami-sussex-nj.org.