FOR THE WAUSAU TIMES

Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn’t have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships. Playing with children and grandchildren sets a positive tone, helping them to feel good about themselves.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Play can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you function at your best.

There will be a presentation entitled Intro to Laughter Club, which will focus on the health benefits of laughter. It will take place on Thursday, March 16th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Grace United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 535 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau.

NAMI Education classes are the cornerstone of NAMI’s mission. Without knowledge of mental health symptoms, one is completely unaware of what family members can do to help their loved one to receive the right treatment or find resources. The Family to Family, an 8-week class, offers members a well -rounded curriculum of information to educate and support based on individual needs. Besides education, we encourage those to advocate for the best medical treatment available.

Peer Support for those struggling with mental health issues are held the 2nd Monday of the month at Grace United Church at 2:00 p.m. and the 4th Wednesday of the month at Biggby’s in Rib Mt at 5:30.

The Family support groups meet once a month at Grace United Church the 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Resources are available at all support groups.

Bernie Corsten, Executive Director 715-432-0180 | [email protected] | www.naminorthwoods.org

NAMI Northwoods is an affiliate of NAMI WI, NAMI National, a non-profit organization that provides support, education and advocacy throughout the Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade counties in Wisconsin on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has an office space at Grace United Church at 535 S 3rd Ave Wausau. The facilitators of NAMI have lived experience with their own illness or have a family member who struggles with mental health issues. All facilitators are approved by the local affiliate and are trained through NAMI Wisconsin.