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 what they are going through,’’ she said. “Then, they can change their dialogue, and the loved one understands that you’re trying and that you get it now.” There is guidance for parents of young children or teens living with mental illness and also separate information classes for those living with or caring for adults with mental health struggles.
When a child is diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be frightening. But education will help alleviate that fear. (Getty Images) Getty Images When it comes to caring for a family member with a mental illness, NAMI instructors have lived through it and seen it all, Ferrante said.
Each class will focus on a different topic, she said. The understanding gained will lead to better talks with their loved one and fewer difficult episodes. They will also learn the right way to advocate for their child’s rights at school and in healthcare settings — and how to prepare for and respond to crisis situations that may occur in the future.
When it comes to a young child with a mental health diagnosis, there is fear and parents often blame themselves, Ferrante said. “A lot of people come in and they think that because they got a divorce ..
. that’s what brought on the mental illness,’’ she said. “That’s not what happened.
” Actions taken or words spoken before a diagnosis didn’t cause it, she stressed. “The main thing we try to teach the caregivers is you can’t be blamed for what you did not know,’’ she said. Perhaps just as important, Ferrante said, is that those who attend the classes will learn the importance of caring for themselves.
Understanding that a parent can’t fix it, but can help manage it, will build a valuable peace of mind, she said. “When your loved one gets hit with this and they’re not the same, it’s time to get to know who they are now,’’ she said. “Because if you keep waiting for them to be something they cannot be, you’re going to be missing out on all of the beauty of what they are now.
” After completing the class sessions, participants often continue with NAMI support groups to benefit from the knowledge and support of peers who have been there, she said. After trying a support group, “everyone comes back,’’ she said. “They know they’ve found their people,’’ she said.
They know they found their spot to talk about it. They know not to talk about it at work, not to talk about it at parties. Now, they have the place to talk about it.
” This course is for those caring for loved ones ages 6 through 17. It will be held on Monday nights for six weeks, beginning Sept. 16, from 6:30 p.
m. to 9 p.m.
in Holy Rosary Parish Center, 80 Jerome Ave., South Beach. Family to Family courses are for those supporting adults ages 18 and up.
It will help attendees understand mental health and learn how it affects the brain. They’ll learn how to communicate effectively with their loved one, handle a crisis and support their loved one with compassion. It will be held on for eight weeks on Wednesdays, from 6:30 p.
m. to 9 p.m.
in the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 80 Jerome Ave., South Beach. The first class will be held on Sept.
18. Family to Family classes will also be held for eight weeks on Thursdays from 3 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. at 1130 South Ave.
, Travis, in the second-floor conference room. The first class will be held on Sept. 19.
Tuesday evenings: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.
m., beginning Sept. 3.
Holy Rosary Parish Center, 80 Jerome Ave., South Beach. Wednesday mornings: 11 a.
m. to 1 p.m.
, Jewish Community Center, second floor, 1466 Victory Blvd., Sunnyside. (currently running) Wednesday evenings: 6:30 p.
m. to 9 p.m.
, beginning Sept. 4, Jewish Community Center, basement media room, 1466 Victory Blvd., Sunnyside The not-for-profit NAMI does not charge for classes or support groups.
For more information or to register for classes, call Staten Island’s NAMI office at 718-447-1700, or email [email protected] ..
