Mental alliance series will start Wednesday

The National Alliance on Mental Illness/San Diego will present a free 12-week Family-to-Family Education Program in Ramona starting on Sept. 14.

Trained family members who have lived with having a family member diagnosed with mental illness will teach the series. It is open to ages 18 and older and will be held at Ramona United Methodist Church, 3394 Chapel Lane, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 30.

Course topics include:

▪ Information on schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and depression

▪ Listening and communication techniques

▪ Basic brain biology/new research

▪ Problem solving workshop, medication review

▪ Empathy workshop — what it’s like to have a brain disorder

▪ Communication skills workshop, self-care

▪ Rehabilitation services — what’s available

▪ Advocacy — fighting stigma

San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Services Division funds the program.

To register, email f2f@namisd.org, or call the peer support helpline at 619-543-1434 or 800-523-5933.