May 2012
The spring Family-to-Family Education courses are well underway in Ottawa and in a few other areas. If you have taken the course in the past, we hope that you will recommend it to others. The NAMI course is not just a fount of information as it pertains to mental illness, but provides to its participants the knowledge and skills to successfully cope with the challenges of living with and assisting relatives who have a mental illness. Taking the NAMI course is akin to going on a journey of discovery that will, without exaggeration, transform you. It is truly a life changing experience. Upon completion of the course, family members feel supported, empowered and, most importantly, feel hope. It is important not to underestimate the power of NAMI to positively affect the lives of family members taking the course, and their loved ones who are working towards recovery. As a family member and NAMI teacher, I have been through this wondrous journey and have been privileged to see the transformation taking place in my classes. Today, people are more and more willing to open up and share their experiences with mental illness. It is through this open-hearted sharing, of public education and understanding that we will break down the stigma associated with mental illness which leads to isolation, a feeling of shame and a barrier to effective treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in the United States throughout the month of May and, here in Canada, we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week from May 7 to 11. During this time, let’s all do our part to break our silence and help dispel the stigma associated with mental illness by opening our hearts and sharing our experiences.
We invite you to click on the Upcoming Events tab for more detailed information on many of the activities taking place in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week, including the launching of the Mental Health Commission’s Mental Health Strategy for Canada on May 8.
Don’t miss out on these or other events – check out the UPCOMING EVENTS tab today!
