Sjálfsbjörg offers its members courses related to mental well-being, communication, nutrition for people with mobility impairments, and exercise in the first weeks and months of the year.
The first two lectures are hosted by the Communication Center and will be held in January. There, social worker Íris Eik Ólafsdóttir will discuss family communication after an accident or illness, and communication in a couple's relationship. The first lecture will be on January 14th and will begin at 3:00 PM. The second will be on January 21st at 3:00 PM.
People must register for the lectures by sending an email to info@sjalfsbjorg.is or calling 550 0360. Please include which Self-Help Group you belong to in your registration. You will be sent a meeting link. The lectures are free of charge for members.
January 14 at 3 PM
A lecture for families after an accident or illness
When a person experiences an accident or serious illness, it affects the entire family. Such an experience is a trauma for both the person who is ill or injured and their loved ones, disrupting the balance, roles, and relationships within the family. This will discuss how trauma manifests in families and how stress, grief, uncertainty, and fear can affect emotions, behavior, and relationships.
The focus is on the family as a whole, where changes in one family member affect everyone. We will discuss the importance of connection, communication, and cohesion, as well as how to strengthen resilience, self-care, and mutual support. The goal of the course is to increase understanding, provide practical tools, and support healthy communication and the overall healing process of the family.
January 21 at 3 PM
Lecture for couples after an accident or illness
When the consequences of an accident or illness become a part of a couple's life, it affects the relationship as a whole. Such an experience impacts emotions, communication, intimacy, and roles within the relationship. Common reactions of individuals in a couple to trauma will be discussed, how fear, grief, anger, or distance can manifest, and why such reactions are normal given the circumstances.
The emphasis is on the relationship as an ever-changing process where the trauma affects both partners, though in different ways. We will discuss the importance of secure attachment, open communication, and mutual understanding, as well as how to strengthen resilience, intimacy, and cooperation in the wake of trauma. The goal of the course is to support couples in navigating changed circumstances, strengthening their connection, and finding a way forward together.
It is recommended that a couple listen to the lecture together and discuss its content afterward, keeping in mind which tools they might want to use.
In February, there will be a course on nutrition for people with disabilities, and in March, lectures on exercise and wound care.
