Helping to meet the needs of persons with mental illness and their families in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties in Illinois

ALL CLASSES ARE AT METHODIST HOSPITAL AND ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE

 

FAMILY TO FAMILY

For families, friends, and caregivers of adults with mental illnesses. The twelve week course is taught by trained family members who provide handouts at each class. All types of mental illnesses are covered, as well as the biology of the brain and new research. Empathy, communication skills, self-care, and advocacy initiatives are also included. Classes are held twice a year, starting in March and September.

 

Overview of a Family to Family

12-week Class Schedule

 

Week 1:     Introduction to Family Education

Week 2:     Symptoms of Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Mania, Schizoaffective Disorder; Getting through critical periods of crisis.

Week 3:     Subtypes of Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, OCD, Co-occurring brain and addictive disorders; telling our stories.

Week 4:     Basics about brain biology and the causes of brain disorders.

Week 5:     Problem Solving Workshop

Week 6:     Medication Review

Week 7:     Empathy: Inside mental illness

Week 8:     Communication Skills Workshop

Week 9:     Self-care

Week 10:   Rehabilitation; Making choices for recovery

Week 11:   Fighting Stigma; Advocacy

Week 12:   Evaluation, Certification and Celebration party

For more information, please contact

Dianne (309) 683-0884 or Carolyn (309) 691-0201

            

PEER TO PEER

For any person with serious mental illness that is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness. The nine week course uses a combination of lecture, interactive exercises, and structured group processes. The course is taught by teams of three trained “mentors” or peer teachers who are themselves experienced at living well with mental illness.

You must go through a screening interview to enroll in this class. See below for more details and for the contact information of people who will help with registration.

 

Overview of a Peer to Peer

9-Week Class Schedule

 

Week 1     Introduction, Stigma, Discrimination, Begin Relapse Prevention Training

Week 2     Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Thoughts, Feelings, Sleep, Continue Relapse Prevention Planning

Week 3     Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Senses, Behavior, Continue Relapse Prevention Planning

Week 4     Story Telling

Week 5     Language, Emotions, Continue Relapse Prevention Training

Week 6     Addictions, Spirituality, Medication, Continue Relapse Prevention Training

Week 7     Coping Strategies, Decision Making

Week 8     Relationships, Begin Advance Directive

Week 9     Empowerment, Advocacy, “Complete” Advance Directive, Evaluations

 

The Peer to Peer Class is held when there are enough participants to fill the class.

 

For more information, please contact

John 472-5907; Marilyn 246-8710; or Dean 347-1634

 

 

BASICS EDUCATION PROGRAM

This is a six-week course for caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses.

 

To get information about, or to register for, the class, please call Amanda at 309.231.3855