Do you have a child under the age of 18 with mental health struggles?
We have a new NAMI BASICS CLASS starting in September in Ridgefield. BASICS is a FREE, 6-session program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens under the age of 18 who are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition or who have already been diagnosed.
The class covers:
- Introduction to the stages of emotional reactions of the family to the mental health condition; including crisis, shock, denial, grief and acceptance.
- Current research related to the biology of mental health conditions and the evidence-based, most effective treatment strategies available, including medications used to treat mental health challenges in children and adolescents.
- Problem solving, listening and communication skills.
- Information about the systems that are major players in the lives of children and adolescents with mental illness – the school system and the mental health system.
- Exposure to personal record keeping systems that have proven to be effective for parents/caregivers in their interactions with the school and healthcare systems.
- Information on planning for crisis management and relapse.
- Information on locating appropriate supports and services within the community to build a community of support for the parent/caregiver.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. To register, please contact Karen at namisouthwestct@gmail.com or 203-984-8329.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots, nonprofit organization aimed at improving quality of life for people living with mental health conditions and their families. NAMI Southwest CT, the local affiliate of NAMI, serves lower Fairfield County.
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