Beginning Jan. 20, the National Alliance on Mental Illness will be offering a course here on the Island designed to help family members better understand and support relatives with major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or an anxiety disorder.

This is a family- to-family free education program lasting 12 weeks. Studies have confirmed that family to family programs can greatly improve problem solving and coping abilities for families of people living with mental illness. Attendees will learn about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, how to handle crisis, problem solving techniques, communication and empathy.

For any additional information or to register call the co-teachers or family member volunteers: Daryl at 508-627-5249, Lori at 508-423-2619 or Peggy at 508-693-5872.

I believe this is a great opportunity for island families who may be in need of this type of support.

Juliette Fay
Vineyard Haven