In the seventh class, the group will learn more about the perspective, trauma and demoralization experienced by the person living with mental illness. The group will explore two case histories, stories of people with brain disorders and how they adjust and react to this vast alteration of their life circumstances and expectations. Participants will explore how illness relates to self-regard and learn guidelines to help families help their relatives maintain self-esteem and confidence.

Introduction: The Psychological Impact of Breaking Down

• Case history 2: Bill's Story
• A simple definition of empathy

Psychological Trauma Associated With Any Serious Illness Process

• Permanent loss of magical belief that one is exempt from harm
• Permanent loss of a predictable, dependable future
• NOrmal responses to stress

Defensive Coping Strategies Used to Preserve Self Esteem in Mental Illness

• Normal human reactions to temporary failure
• Negative and positive coping strategies
• Discussion

Bipolar Disorder Case History, Susan's Story: Defending Against Demoralization

• Empathizing with an example of six illness events
• How inner feelings affect behavior
• Defensive coping strategies
• Discussion

Treatment Issues

• Adherence issues and ways to help your relative stay on medication
• Recognizing early signs of relapse in order to head off a full-blown episode
• Class discussion

Disturbances of Self and Identity in Schizophrenia

• Distorted sense of reality
• Disconnect, anxiety, delusion and desire for structure

Schizophrenia Case History: Bill's Story

• Protecting the self from humiliation
• Group discussion

How to Assist People with Mental Illness in their Struggle for Self-Esteem

• Preserving self-regard for the ill person
• Accepting the legitimate status of illness
• Empathetic Guidelines