Educational Opportunities at FERC

Is It Really Mental Illness?

 

Serious mental illness is not always easy to recognize. It can sometimes be hard to tell if the person is just going through a rough time or if this is the onset of mental illness. The use of drugs and/or alcohol can also make it difficult to accurately recognize or differentiate signs and symptoms. Research shows that many individuals who have a mental illness also have or will develop co-occurring problems with substance abuse. Many say that they use alcohol and drugs to cope with their illness.

 

Early Warning Signs

• He/she may talk about or even attempt to commit suicide.

 

If you suspect mental illness, find professional help and get information.

It takes a trained mental health professional to diagnose mental illness. To begin the process, if your friend or family member has health insurance, call the number listed in the health plan member’s information. If your friend or family member does not have health insurance, call the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services ACCESS number 800-491-9099.

 

Don't let fear, stigma, shame or guilt stop you from getting help. People with mental illness can and do recover and lead rich and meaningful lives.

Early detection and treatment can make an enormous difference in terms of outcome, so acting early is crucial.  Education is the key. Mental illnesses and problems with substance abuse are treatable. Mental illness is a chemical disorder of the brain just as diabetes is a metabolic disorder of the body.

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Helping Your Relative, Friend or Partner with mental health challenges

 

Learn about mental illness

Find information on your relative, partner or friend’s mental illness or suspected mental illness. Educating yourself is important for understanding his/her condition; it will also help reduce your own anxiety and confusion.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a 12 week free (including materials) course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses taught by trained family members called Family to Family.  There is up to date information on the major mental illnesses, medications, practical tips, and interacting positively with your loved one and with the care provider.  Available classes on offer in California here.

For free pamphlets and articles, a lending library of books, audio and video presentations or to use one of the available computers to search for resources on the internet, contact FERC at 888-896-3372

FREE Educational Opportunities provided by the Family Education and Resource Center (FERC).

Upcoming trainings include:

• Academic Wellness Supports: Obtaining assistance for your loved one in the Community College setting.

• See all upcoming trainings at our FERC Calendar.

Educational Video (lecture):

• Lecture by Dr. Xavier Amador, author of I'm Not Sick, I Don't Need Help: 'How to Help Someone Who Does Not Know That They Are Ill'

FREE pamphlets and other publications:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Publications that can be ordered and delivered for free.