Education Programs and Information Sessions Get a Facelift

Starting this fall, education programs will be staggered throughout the year. Instead of two parallel fall and spring Mood and Thought Disorders sessions, four sessions have been scheduled. They will start in September and November 2006, and in March and May 2007. An OCD session will be offered in spring 2007. We hope that announcing the entire year’s schedule in advance will help members better plan their activities. Please call our office at 514-486-1448 for more information and to register for the session of your choice.

The more you know about your loved one’s illness,the better for your relative, your family and yourself. That’s why AMI regularly offers education on bipolar disorder (manic depression), obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.

Family members who understand a relative’s illness find that they gain a measure of control over their lives. In addition, sharing their concerns and experiences with others is an empowering experience with far-reaching, positive effects. Many studies suggest that the right sort of family intervention can delay and even prevent relapse in a mentally ill relative. Family intervention can improve patient functioning as well as the family’s well being. The education groups are led by a team of professionals and family caregivers. They cover an explanation of the illness and its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, services and living arrangements. Time is devoted to grieving and strategies for coping with the emotional impact of mental illness on family life.

The weekly sessions, are offered in closed group settings and participants are expected to attend the full program. Registration is required.

Education groups are free for AMI members. Non-members are asked to pay the equivalent of our annual membership fee, $25. Free admittance is extended to those on limited incomes.