Free workshop will help family members cope with mental illness

MIDDLEBURY - The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) will offer the Mental Illness and Recovery workshop for family members, peers, professionals and community members who want to learn more about mental illness and recovery. This daylong workshop will be facilitated at CSAC, 89 Main Street in Middlebury, on Saturday, Feb. 18. Registration is required for this event.

This workshop will provide basic information about major mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder.

The workshop will also provide an overview of effective treatments for mental illness, accessing services throughout the state, evidence based practices available in Vermont, coping strategies and crisis prevention, recovery and next steps for making progress.

"NAMI Vermont is committed to educating the public about the needs of the one in four Vermonters affected by mental illness through this workshop. Participants leave with a wealth of new information and resources. Many of the participants move on to join one of our support groups that we have available for both family members and individuals who have been affected by a mental health condition," said Laurie Emerson, executive director of NAMI Vermont.

The NAMI Vermont Mental Illness and Recovery workshop is free and is made possible by a grant from the Department of Mental Health. For more information or to register, visit namivt.org or email program@namivt.org.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) is the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through the dedicated efforts of grassroots leaders, NAMI focuses on three cornerstones of activity: support, education and advocacy.