Families supporting relatives with a mental illness can learn more about symptoms, medications and problem solving with a free 12-week course offered by New View Society in Port Coquitlam.
The Family to Family education session runs Tuesdays, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 2050 Mary Hill Rd., PoCo from Feb. 2 through April 19.
The course is taught by trained family members who themselves have ill relatives and many years of experience dealing with the system. It will be of particular interest to families whose relatives have recently been diagnosed.
Topics covered will include: symptoms of illness and their biological causes; including bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder; medications used to treat brain disorders; problem-solving skills and communicating with someone who is ill; advice on navigating the health care system; and looking after yourself as a caregiver.
Although the program is offered at no charge, registration is required. Call Shalene Olson at 604-941-3222 Ext. 142 or Melanie Scott, 604-926-0856. Course details are available at www.northshoreschizophrenia.org
The program is hosted in partnership with the New View Society and the North Shore Schizophrenia Society.
