No one wants to experience a mental health crisis, but they do happen. Fortunately, there is NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
Taking steps to prepare for the possibility of a crisis can help parents act quickly, ease their mind, and lessen the impact if a crisis does occur. NAMI can help parents dealing with loved ones to access mental health services, as well as provide support and education.
Family to Family (F2F) classes, free educational 12-session classess for parents, is a good example of outreach as an evidence-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of people who are living with an individual coping with a mental health condition.
Two Family to Family classes are being offered in Malibu and Calabasas areas starting in January 2019.
In addition, there are two support groups every month for parents on the second and fourth Tuesday, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Topanga Public Library. No registration is required to attend these support groups.
To register for January F2F classes, please contact Lynn Conrad at (818) 458-9610; or namibythebeach@gmail.com.
By Lynn Conrad