STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Caring for someone with mental illness can be frightening, and it’s a challenge to always have their back.
But who has yours? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) does. And on Staten Island, the fall brings new opportunities for families, friends and caregivers of those diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bi-polar depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, ADHD or PTSD to get the information they need through free group classes featuring informative speakers who have “walked the walk.” That information will be provided by experts weekly in the free NAMI Basics class and the Family to Family classes.
It translates into better relationships and more effective communication with the ones they love, said Lyn Ferrante, executive director of NAMI NYC Staten Island. And there is no judgement in the classes, or in the support groups also offered, she stressed. “The more knowledge you get in mental health, the less fear you’re going to have,’’ said Ferrante.
“There’s a grieving and a sadness, but you can’t stay in that. And NAMI helps you come out of that or to put it in the right spot, to make the best of it and to enjoy what you do have.” The understanding gained through the education sessions will lead to better relationships with their children and adult family members after their diagnosis.
“The whole idea for them is to understand what their loved one is going through, and not wh.