NAMI Basics: A Mental Health Education Program for Parents, Caregivers and Families

Dear Residents,

NAMI New Jersey (NAMI NJ) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through education, support, advocacy, and public awareness programs NAMI NJ fosters understanding about mental illness, confronts stigma often associated with mental disorders, advocates for public policies that benefit those affected by mental illness, and promotes research into the causes, treatment, and recovery of mental health disorders.
 
The NAMI Basics program will be offered virtually on Monday evenings, May 1, 2023 – June 12, 2023 (not Memorial Day), 6:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
 
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and other family members who provide care for youth (ages 21 and younger) experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you're going through because they've been there too.
 
This course includes an overview of the diagnostic process: types and subtypes of major mental illnesses that can develop in childhood and adolescence: ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorder, Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders.  
 
What You'll Gain:

By participating in NAMI Basics, you'll realize that you are not alone. You'll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement, and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don't forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

NAMI Basics Covers:

• The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
• Introduction to mental health diagnoses, including: ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and more
• Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options, and therapies
• An overview of the public mental health care, school, and juvenile justice systems and resources to help you navigate these systems
• How to advocate for your child's rights at school and in health care settings
• How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
• The importance of taking care of yourself
• Much, much more!

This course is taught by trained teachers who have shared experiences as parents/ caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness in childhood or adolescence.  The loved one involved should be 21 or under for parents/caregivers to benefit from this course.
 
For questions, contact Tony & Sandy Wilson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Take care and be well,

NWBRHC Staff 

Facebook: @NWBRHC 
Website: nwbrhc.org 
Instagram: @nwbrhc_nj/