How to Survive and Thrive with a Mentally Ill Loved One

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Gabriel Valley and Paci?c Clinics will be presenting a lecture series on “How to Survive and Thrive with a Mentally Ill Loved One” for six Tuesdays, September 13 to October 18, at Wilson Auditorium, 2471 E. Walnut Street in Pasadena.

The lectures are designed for people who are determined to help their loved ones recover from mental illness.

Dr. Michael DiPaolo and guest speakers will be talking about the latest evidence-based information on how to help, how to find resources and how to cope. The lectures will also stress the fact that families and friends are the ones who could provide important support for people with these challenges.

The lecture series is free to the public.

Here is the schedule of the presentations:

• September 13: Dr. DiPaolo, “The Balancing Act: Understanding and Treating Bipolar Disorder”
• September 20: Dr. DiPaolo, “Moving Toward Recovery: Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia”
• September 27: Guest Presenter – Dr. Jane Knapik, “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Beyond a Quirk”
• October 4: Dr. DiPaolo, “Anxious and Depressed: Coping with Our Culture’s Two Most Pervasive Mental Health Issues”
• October 11: Guest Presenter – Christie Tcharkhoutian, LMFT, “What’s Food Got to Do With It? Understanding Eating Disorders: Contributing Factors, Complexities & Treatment Options”
• October 18: Dr. DiPaolo, “The Family as Ally: Helpful Family Skills”

Wilson Auditorium is at the northwest corner of Altadena Drive and Walnut, next to the Red Cross Donation Center.

For more information, call the NAMI SGV of?ce, (626) 577-6697.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NAMI has over 1,100 affiliates in communities across the country who engage in advocacy, research, support and education. Members of NAMI are families, friends and people living with mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder.