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.
A presentation entitled Intro to Laughter Club, which will focus on the health benefits of laughter, will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 535 S. 3rd Ave. in Wausau. The public is invited to attend.

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 eight-week class offers members a well-rounded curriculum of information to educate and support based on individual needs. Besides education, NAMI encourages those to advocate for the best medical treatment available.
Peer Support for those struggling with mental health issues is held on the second Monday of the month at Grace United Church at 2:00 p.m. and the fourth Wednesday of the month at Biggby’s Coffee in Rib Mountain at 5:30 p.m.

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

For more information, contact Bernie Corsten, Executive Director, at 715.432.0180, email [email protected], or go to www.naminorthwoods.org.

NAMI Northwoods is an affiliate of NAMI WI, NAMI National, a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy throughout 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.