Family to Family, the highly acclaimed study course offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is coming to Laurens County this summer.

The 12-week course, taught by trained family members , will begin on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Classes will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 301 Watts Ave. in Laurens. The classes will begin at 2 p.m.and last three hours each.

The course includes current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders.

Family to Family will also share up-to-date information about medications, side effects and strategies for medication compliance as will as current research related to the biology of brain disorders and effective treatments to promote recovery.

In addition, the course will focus on gaining an understanding of the experience of a person with mental illness.

Participants in the course will learn through special workshops useful techniques for problem solving, listening, and communicating as well as strategies for handling crises and relapse.

The course is open to family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants. However, registration is required.

For more information and to register call 864-724-2053 or email Grannybfor9@yahoo.com.