Mental Health

My Extraordinary Journey as an Intern in the World of Clinical Therapy

February 19, 2024 By Dominique Munday

Becoming an intern is an incredible and intimidating experience. After years of studying and accumulating knowledge, everything I had learned suddenly seemed to disappear entirely, and I could feel the dreaded imposter syndrome kipping at my heels. However, completing my internship at Manna Treatment was an incredible spiritual journey and learning experience. I had the opportunity to work with a highly knowledgeable, patient, flexible, and kind treatment team. Every time I had a question, which happened quite often, I was fortunate to have people willing to take the time to teach me what I needed to succeed. I gained practical experience in mental health's legal and ethical aspects, initial client assessments, individual counseling, group counseling, community outreach, direct marketing, different therapeutic modalities, documentation, and crisis intervention.

The moment I stepped into Manna Treatment's doors, the staff greeted me with warmth, respect, and support. The therapists and staff I worked with treated me as part of their team from day one. They allowed me to learn, observe sessions, actively participate in and facilitate groups, and even personally handle client interactions under their guidance and supervision. This hands-on experience was invaluable and allowed me to truly understand the challenges and rewards of being a clinical therapist.

What amazed me the most during my internship was the wealth of knowledge possessed by the staff at Manna Treatment. They had a profound understanding of various therapeutic modalities and remained up to date-with the latest research and practices in the field. Whenever I had a question related to treatment approaches, client considerations, or simply clarifying a concept, they never hesitated to provide detailed explanations and share personal anecdotes that enhanced my learning experience.

It wasn't just their extensive knowledge that made the therapists at Manna Treatment exceptional mentors. Their patience and flexibility in teaching were incredible. They recognized that I was still learning and graciously tailored their guidance to my capabilities. No question was considered insignificant, and they always made sure I understood the reasoning behind their explanations. The patience and knowledge of the staff enriched my confidence and allowed me to grow as a person, intern, and clinical therapist.

Furthermore, the kindness and empathy demonstrated by the staff at Manna Treatment towards the clients left a lasting impression on me. They understood that therapy is not only about treating diagnoses but also about providing a safe space for individuals and families to heal and grow. Witnessing their compassion in action taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of establishing rapport, building trust, and creating a therapeutic alliance with clients. These principles have since become the foundation of my therapeutic approach.

Completing my internship at Manna Treatment was an unforgettable journey of growth and self-discovery. The experience provided me with a solid foundation and a unique perspective on the world of clinical therapy. The exceptional therapists, dietitians, and providers I had the privilege of working with imparted their vast knowledge and instilled in me the values of patience, empathy, and flexibility. I am forever grateful for their mentorship and their positive impact on my professional development. As I embark on my journey as a therapist, I carry with me the lessons and principles learned during my internship, ready to make a difference in the world and the lives of those I will help.

-Tajana Freeman, Therapist

Embracing Mental Wellness

January 24, 2024 By Dominique Munday

While I don't possess formal therapy credentials or fancy Mental Health certifications, my 3 ½ years of experience working at Manna have been enlightening. Working at Manna has emphasized the crucial importance of self-care and prioritizing one's Mental Health. As we celebrate Mental Wellness Month, it's crucial to recognize the significance of nurturing our mental well-being. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, self-care becomes a cornerstone for maintaining a healthy mind. Let this blog be your go-to guide for practical self-care tips that promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall mental wellness.

1. Mindful Breathing:
• Take a moment each day for mindful breathing exercises.
• Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.
• Focus on your breath to bring your mind into the present moment.

2. Create a Relaxation Routine:
• Establish a calming routine before bedtime.
• Incorporate activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath.
• Signal to your body that it's time to unwind and relax.

3. Digital Detox:
• Dedicate specific periods for a digital detox.
• Limit screen time and engage in activities that don't involve electronic devices.
• Disconnecting from technology can significantly reduce mental clutter.

4. Nature Connection:
• Spend time in nature to rejuvenate your mind.
• Take a leisurely walk in the park, hike a nature trail, or simply sit in a garden.
• Nature has a soothing effect on the mind and promotes a sense of calm.

5. Mindful Eating:
• Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite.
• Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations.
• This simple act fosters a connection between mind and body.

6. Expressive Journaling:
• Start a journal to express your thoughts and feelings.
• Write about positive experiences, gratitude, or anything on your mind.
• Journaling can be a therapeutic way to release emotions.

7. Physical Activity:
• Engage in activities that get your body moving.
• Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing, physical activity releases endorphins, boosting mood.

8. Quality Sleep Habits:
• Prioritize a good night's sleep for mental rejuvenation.
• Create a calming bedtime routine and ensure a comfortable sleep environment.

9. Connect with Loved Ones:
• Nurture your social connections.
• Spend quality time with friends and family, whether in person or virtually.
• Supportive relationships contribute to overall well-being.

10. Learn to Say No:
• Set boundaries and learn to say no when needed.
• Overcommitting can lead to stress, so prioritize your well-being by managing your workload.

This year, let's commit to making self-care an integral part of our daily lives. These practical tips are just a starting point on your journey to better mental health. Remember, small, consistent efforts can make a significant impact. Embrace self-care, prioritize your mental well-being, and celebrate the joy that comes from taking care of yourself. Here's to a year of renewed energy, relaxation, and mental wellness!

-Dominique Munday, Marketing

Coping When We Struggle With The Holidays

December 27, 2023 By Dominique Munday

Holiday time is a time of the year that finds many people struggling with being able to celebrate in the festivities and celebrations that add to all the wonder of the traditions. When you find yourself struggling emotionally during the holidays you may be feeling the “Holiday or Winter Blues”. During the fall and winter months there is valid experiencing of clinical Seasonal Affective Disorder -” SAD.” SAD is a mood disorder characterized as depression that occurs around the same time each year typically in fall/winter months although it does occur in spring/summer months for some and will remediate within months. Changes in the weather and daylight hours contribute to the disorder. Additional contributing factors include traumatic experiences, biological family history, lower serotonin, and melatonin levels.

Sings that you may be experiencing SAD:
1. Increased levels of sadness.
2. Hopelessness
3. Loneliness
4. Urges to Isolate
5. Loss of interest is activities that you once found pleasurable.
6. Increased Irritability
7. Lack of energy
8. Increased sleepiness
9. Increased anxiety
10. Changes in appetite and eating habits.

At home supports: If you are experiencing signs of “SAD” you can create supports at home to include:
1. Talking with family, friends, and co-workers to let them know what you are going through.
2. Throughout the year create healthy relationships and sleep hygiene to include ending your day at 8-9pm, nighttime reading, turning off technology, having an evening snack, taking a warm shower or bath, dental care and listening to mindfulness meditation.
3. Create a balanced nutritious diet with the support of a Registered Dietician or Nutrition Coach!
4. Incorporate various coping activities that extend your capacity to tolerate such as: engaging in activities despite not feeling motivated to do so, surround yourself with people, take on a new hobby, create holiday gifts that you can share with others less fortunate, gratitude journaling, watch holiday movies, baking, volunteer at a shelter or local religious entity.
5. Purchase a sun lamp to keep in your bedroom.
6. Set up a time to meet with a Certified Life or Health Coach.

When to seek therapeutic support:
It is common for all of us to experience feeling down at times. If you find yourself not being able to regain your emotional footing after a couple of weeks, it is time to visit your healthcare provider. You may start with your primary care doctor, then transition to a psychiatrist and therapist as recommended.
The most concerning signs that impact the decision to seek professional support are changes in appetite, changes in sleep pattern, changes in physical activity, changes in libido, changes in capability to cope. These are impactful in our daily functioning and can lead to additional issues such as destroyed relationships, substance abuse or even suicidal thoughts.
If you find yourself not enjoying the holidays, assess your behavior with honesty to yourself. Take action that will be effective in creating the space that will increase your capability while extending grace and compassion to yourself and others!

Happy Holidays!

-Jania Boyd, MS Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Certified Life Coach, Certified Anger Management Specialist II, intensively trained in all things DBT, RO-DBT, EMDR

Understanding Athletes Eating Habits and Mental Health

November 30, 2023 By Dominique Munday

In the realm of athletics, the pursuit of peak performance often intertwines with societal pressures surrounding body image and weight. Athletes, defined as anyone with a consistent commitment to physical activity, can find themselves grappling with the desire to enhance their performance. Unfortunately, this quest for improvement can sometimes lead to unhealthy practices such as eating disorders, restrictive diets, and over exercising. In this blog post, we'll delve into the complex dynamics between athletic performance, body image, and mental well-being.

The Athletic Spectrum:

Athletes come in various forms, from those hitting the gym daily to individuals engaged in organized sports or simply those who incorporate regular movement into their lives. It's essential to recognize that exercise extends beyond its physical benefits, contributing significantly to emotional regulation and stress reduction.

The Pressure to Change:

Society often perpetuates the notion that altering one's body is a key to improved athletic performance, placing undue stress on athletes regarding their weight and shape. This pressure, coupled with the pervasive belief that weight loss equates to success, increases the vulnerability of athletes to develop eating disorders. Compounding the issue is due to a lack of understanding about proper nutrition to support physical conditioning and goal achievement. This idea, in combination to the idea of weight loss=success, drastically increases the risk for an athlete to develop an eating disorder.

The Impact of Quick Fixes:

In a world filled with quick weight loss hacks and fad diets, athletes may inadvertently find themselves struggling with disordered eating patterns. The misconception that consuming fewer calories is synonymous with better performance can lead to a detrimental relationship with food. Less energy from fewer calories can ultimately hinder an athlete's overall performance, highlighting the importance of informed nutrition. I encourage you to read the blog “Why Diets Don’t Work and What They Don’t Tell You” written by Tori Payton for more insight on appropriate nutrition to fuel our body.

The Quest for Control:

Beyond the physical aspects, the desire to excel in athletics can manifest as a need for control. Eating disorders arise as a trauma response, with individuals seeking control in their lives when faced with situations that are out of their control. Athletes may channel this need for control through their sport, attempting to prove their worth through appearance and performance criteria set by the sport itself. For example, if a sport places influence on appearance and weight requirements to be “good enough”, the sport is now validating their core negative belief about themselves of not being enough - a belief system that came from a trauma experience outside of the sport. In order to change this or become “good enough” the athlete will use the sport and their body, to regain a sense of control over their life/home/experiences. The sport can be a great outlet to process, as long as it is carefully being used for things mentioned earlier, like emotional regulation.

Protective Factors for Athletes and Families:

To safeguard athletes and promote their well-being, it's crucial to consider various protective factors:

Positive Influences: Coaches, teammates, friends, and family members can serve as positive influences, offering support and encouragement.

Healthy Environment: Ensuring a positive and healthy environment for individuals or teams is vital in fostering a balanced approach to athletics.

Performance Enhancement Factors: Identifying motivators, personal goals, and team objectives can contribute positively to an athlete's mindset.

Risk Factor Awareness: Recognizing potential risk factors such as low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depression, dieting behaviors, family dysfunction, trauma, abuse, social influences, and cultural influences is crucial.

Education: Openly discussing changes in the body and emphasizing proper nutrition for performance can contribute to a healthier understanding of these topics.

In our pursuit of athletic excellence, it's imperative to prioritize holistic well-being. By acknowledging the intricate interplay between athletic performance, body image, and mental health, we can create a supportive environment that empowers athletes to thrive physically and emotionally. Through education, positive influences, and a commitment to understanding the individual needs of athletes, we can foster a culture where everyone can achieve their goals without compromising their health. Remember, the more we know, the more we grow.

-Vanessa Chambers, LPC, NCC

Understanding Trauma

October 26, 2023 By Dominique Munday

Trauma… You survived! You got through one of the most impactful experiences in your life. But you are changed. Forever. It takes all your energy to push away the intrusive thoughts, but they keep roaring back with a vengeance. The flashbacks take your breath away. You wonder if they will ever go away. The guilt and shame have you questioning your ability, and you constantly tell yourself that it’s your fault. And pushing down the thoughts of your past leaves you feeling suffocated and out of control. You are exhausted and ready to give up!

Life continues to go on…
But every day is the same. You wake up just to survive. You see the world around you, but everything looks so different. People are laughing, being happy, and you desperately want that feeling again. You avoid people and places, “How can I even explain to them what is going on?” But the avoidance has led you to feeling anxious, depressed, and isolated. Alcohol, drugs, and other uncommon behaviors became your path to numb the experience and to escape the pain. You feel ashamed but just want the suffering to end.

Trauma is a person’s emotional response to a distressing experience. It can happen to anyone at any time in life. If you haven’t experienced trauma, you know someone who has. Unlike ordinary hardships, traumatic events tend to be unpredictable and beyond a person’s control. Most important, traumatic events undermine a person’s sense of safety within themselves and the world around them. People also believe that catastrophe could strike at any time and their world might fall apart. This can be such a scary feeling for the individual going through the effects of trauma.

How can trauma affect you?

When faced with a traumatic event, our bodies react by preparing us to respond. You probably have heard of “fight or flight”, but there are many more reactions that aren’t talked about enough.

Fight- fighting, defensiveness
Flight- running away
Freeze- not being able to move or decide
Fawn- trying to win over someone hurting you or people pleasing
Flop- becoming overwhelmed and unresponsive, sometimes fainting, and dissociating (this is a newer reaction that most people don’t know about)

The long-term effects of trauma

Depending on how you’re affected, trauma may cause difficulties in your daily life. It can make it harder to trust people, which can affect relationships and friendships negatively. You may struggle to hold down a job or do your job in an effective way, take pleasure in things you usually enjoy, take care, or look after yourself and have difficulty managing emotions. It can cause people to react in ways that feel irrational or emotional because your mind is reaching to the memory of your trauma, not particularly your current situation.

Trauma can also have a huge impact on the body as well as the mind. Research shows trauma can cause the risk of developing physical health problems, including long-term illnesses.

Lastly, trauma can make you more vulnerable to developing other mental health issues, such as: anxiety and depression. It can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also known that people misuse alcohol and drugs or self-harm to cope with their difficult emotions and memories.

Getting Support

It’s never too late to get help with the effects of trauma, no matter when it occurred. There are different types of treatment available for trauma, particularly at Manna. We offer a Trauma IOP and other OP services for you. Manna is here to support you as you navigate this healing journey you are on.

-Courtney Chaney, LPC, Director of Trauma Recovery IOP

Understanding Mental Health

October 2, 2023 By Dominique Munday

I am so excited & grateful I am getting the opportunity to write this month’s blog post. When I prayed about it, I specifically asked God to allow me to write about something that would be useful to the people no matter where they are from, because mental health does not discriminate. Although some evidence has been found to support a genetic component for some mental health conditions. Today’s post is going to be a general overview & an introduction to what I HOPE will be an encouraging read. So, KEEP READING!

I will ask you first before we read any further what IS mental health and WHY does there even NEED to be a conversation about it?

Talking openly about mental health can reduce misconceptions and stigma and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network. It is important for individuals, caregivers, friends, and loved ones to understand the impact that mental health has on daily life.

So, when we read “mental health”— what conditions come to mind? Is it the most common mental health condition (depression) which affects nearly 18.1% of the population or maybe it will be more impactful if instead of a percentage—we look at the number: 40 million adults. That honestly makes my heart sad! There are so many people struggling & the truth is that while every mental health diagnosis needs to be treated by a professional (preferably a psychiatric professional) there are MANY who are NOT receiving treatment. What’s even MORE astounding is the fact that yes, every mental health diagnosis is made by certain criteria found in the DSM-V, but often presents DIFFERENTLY for different people! All this is said to say that conversations MUST be had to create opportunities to explore the BEST possible treatment options for you and your loved ones.

Mental health is a journey to wellness. Sometimes there are ups and sometimes there are downs. In some seasons there seems to be more UPS than downs—but we KNOW that there is a season for everything. In this season of my life, I am beyond grateful to be working with Manna Treatment to help those who are experiencing a difficult journey-be it eating disorders, trauma, grief, or other mental health conditions.

No matter what we face today, we strive to ensure that we are equipping those around us with the tools and resources necessary to be empowered on their journey to wellness. Treatment for mental health is often a collaborative approach with a degree of accountability. After all, we are ALL learning and must remain receptive to what each new day brings.

Be sure to come back soon & check out NEXT month’s blog post! Stay well and remember, manage your emotions or they WILL manage you!

-Dr. Lou Wood, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Supporting Someone With an Eating Disorder

August 25, 2023 By Dominique Munday

Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder

Eating Disorders really suck and are incredibly painful and difficult to navigate. They are not just difficult for the diagnosed individual, but for those around them too. Eating Disorders impact EVERYONE they come in contact with; no one is immune. Family members, friends, significant others, co-workers, roommates, etc. are all affected. I have personal experience to attest to this.

Living with or supporting someone with an eating disorder can be incredibly tough, and also incredibly rewarding as you watch them grow and heal. Hopefully there is a chance for you to grow and heal with them. Having compassion, kindness, and knowing how to help can make a huge difference in the life of your loved one. This blog is meant to help provide understanding and encouragement, as living with or supporting someone with an eating disorder can feel defeating and hopeless at times.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Talk about it! Oftentimes people shy away from the subject for fear of upsetting their loved one or alienating them. Know that it’s okay to bring it up, ask questions, and talk. Let your loved one know you’re there if they need support or someone to talk to.

2. Encourage treatment. Eating disorders are among the deadliest of all mental illnesses. It is extremely difficult to heal from an eating disorder on your own accord, so encourage your loved one to seek out a treatment team, including a therapist, dietitian, primary care physician, and family therapist. Eating disorders are multi-faceted, and a multidisciplinary team is crucial to provide adequate care. Higher levels of care are also available, including Intensive Outpatient Programs, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Residential Treatment, and Inpatient Treatment.

3. Show them love. Eating disorders can make people feel extremely lonely and scared. Let your loved one know you care for them, no matter what.

4. Do not take over their life. Do not become the food police, the bathroom police, the gym police, etc. Individuals with eating disorders need to learn how to take control of their own lives and cope with their stressors in healthier ways. Doing this for them will not help. Providing accountability in these areas will help.

5. Learn. Knowledge is power. Taking the time to learn about your loved one’s symptoms and etiology shows you care. However, don’t overdo it or assume things; ask questions about their specific issues and struggles.

6. Remove any stigma. Individuals with eating disorders face enough stigma (i.e., why can’t you just eat?). Please do not become a part of it. Learn how to be accepting of your loved one without judgment to reduce their shame.

7. Be honest. People can tell when you’re being fake. If you’re scared, hurt, or worried, it’s okay to talk to your loved one with an eating disorder about it. They are not going to break from talking about feelings.

8. Remember that an eating disorder is not just about the food. Food manipulation or control is a manifestation of deeper, underlying pain and suffering. Although adequate nutrition is absolutely necessary for healing, eating disorders go much deeper than the food piece. It’s important not to only focus on food, but feelings too.

9. BE PATIENT. Eating disorders are extremely complex and therefore can take some time to treat and heal. Please be patient with your loved one and keep faith. Eating disorders are treatable with the right support team! Be their rock and hope when they lose it.

10. Take care of yourself. Last, but possibly most pertinent, is the importance of taking care of yourself in the process. Lean into your support system, practice your faith, continue your schedule and enjoyed activities, and if needed; seek your own therapist or support group.

Manna understands how difficult it can be to navigate these disorders, and we are here to help. Manna offers PHP, IOP, and OP services for the diagnosed individual, and individual, family, and group options for the family members/supports. We wish you all the best as you navigate this healing journey, and are here to help where we can!

-Kelsey Sander, LCSW, Director of Family IOP

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Why Diets Don’t Work and What They Don’t Tell You

July 24, 2023 By Dominique Munday

Why Diets Don’t Work and What They Don’t Tell You

It is overstated to say that we live in a world that is highly focused on weight loss and dieting. Whether it is the newest diet fad, social media influencers telling us to “eat this not that” or societal pressure to look a certain way, we have all likely experienced or have been affected by diet culture in one way or another.

-The dieting industry capitalizes on insecurities and “quick fix” weight loss gimmicks, blames you when it doesn’t work and then convinces you to try another gimmick.
-The weight loss industry is a $72+ billion-dollar industry that survives and thrives off diets that don’t work and having repeat customers.

Here’s what they don’t tell you:

1. Diets are not sustainable. The reason diets don’t work is not lack of willpower or that you have done something wrong. Research has shown that 90-95% of people who lose weight on a diet end up regaining the weight they lost in as little as 1-5 years. The requirements to cut out whole food groups, count and track every bite of food you put on your fork, buy expensive products or only eat during a few specific hours of the day are not realistic for most people to maintain over time. This ideology is actually very harmful.

2. Diets can create a restrictive mindset and an unhealthy relationship with food and your body. By following a restrictive diet, we begin to see food through a lens of judgement and ignore our bodies natural hunger, fullness cues and cravings. Our hunger and fullness cues are controlled by hormones in the body which are the body’s communication system to have our physical needs met.
-When honored properly, they guide us to get the nutrition our body needs to function well.
-When ignored, they can easily be thrown off and make intuitive eating and fueling our body much more difficult.

Restricting food, dieting and judgment around certain foods can ultimately lead to feeling impulsive and chaotic around certain foods. In turn, we may experience overeating as a result.

3. Our body does not understand dieting. The body’s main goal is to keep you alive and it needs adequate food and nutrition to do so. When we restrict our food intake, over time our body begins to enter what is sometimes referred to as “starvation mode”. This has both physiological and psychological effects.

-Physiological effects: lower physical energy, nutrient deficiencies, inefficient digestion, slower metabolism, and muscle loss
-Psychological effects: mood dysregulation, higher stress and anxiety, increased risk for disordered eating, an eating disorder and decreased enjoyment of food

Healing your relationship with food and your body is a process that is incredibly rewarding. Pushing back against societal weight standards and pursuing health for your whole being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) can bring so much freedom. This can look different for every person, but can include incorporating joyful movement and working to eliminate food guilt. Learning stress management and honoring your body’s natural cues and cravings can help you to regain respect and trust with your body.

If you are interested in working with a dietitian or therapist to begin this journey, Manna is here to support you!

-Tori Payton, MS, LD, RD, Director of Eating Disorders IOP

The Story of Manna

June 27, 2023 By Genie Burnett

Then, There Goes God…

As a 54-year-old woman, I have seen the changes in myself throughout my life. Whereas I used to obsess about my physical body, my behavior, and whether I was “ok” in my relationships, I do not worry about such things now. Rather, I focus my energies on how to best lead and by how I serve others. (And how to take care of my body so I don’t throw my back out when I sneeze.)

When I was younger, the unconscious goal was to “prove” my lovability and worth. Exercise, diet, calories, weight, was all the internal rage. “Did he look at me?” turned into “does he like me” and “am I good enough?” I was an anxious wreck. All the anxiety and obsessiveness were focused on… ME. I never would have imagined that I was “self-centered” because, well, I was focused on my flaws – both real and imagined. However, that is exactly what I was being!

Then, There Goes God…

Despite my fears and challenges, God used me. He used the 17-year-old who did a round robin of binging-purging-restricting while screaming “God, why do you hate me so much?!?” He used my fears, struggles, and need to be loved WHILE he was using me to build an amazing organization. He used my imperfections and internal doubts WHILE he was knocking down my original wounds and re-building me into a leader that developed an organization that is after His heart and is doing His work.

Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc, was created in 2006 by two women who only knew eating disorders from the inside-out. Manna is known in the bible as “bread from heaven,” “bread of life,” and is Jesus in the New Testament. While the Israelites were being led through the desert by God, they cried out, “feed us!” and that is just what God did. He gave them Manna each day (except the Sabbath). Manna literally means, “what is it?” because they had never seen anything like it on the desert floor.

However, six out of seven days each week, they slept and woke up to little frosted-flakeish, possibly mushroomy, edible pieces on the desert floor. I have no idea how they got the sand out of it, but that’s one of those questions that will have to wait until I’m resting in Heaven. So, the only rule was, “don’t take too much” because it would spoil. They literally had to trust God to get their daily bread, and he delivered. When they wanted meat, God gave them quail.

At Manna Fund, we hope our clients will trust us as they are going through their emotional and spiritual desert. We hope that they will take just enough food to get them through their day – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We support them in helping to understanding just what really hurts and how their eating disorder (or other behaviors) are hurting them too. Ultimately, we hope that they see a good God through a supportive, loving, and healing staff. We offer Manna as the environment to help them confront what hurts and how to break free from the pain.

There goes God… using hope for healing and helping. That’s why our motto is, “Supporting individuals from Surviving, to Thriving, to Leading”… because that’s just what happened to all of us at Manna.

Eating Disorder Recovery in the New Year

January 1, 2023 By Sam, Manna Alumni

Every new year there is renewed focus on change. Which brings up the common question; can people really change? In recovery, yes I believe people can change. I changed.

One of my favorite things about pursuing recovery is that I got to start over. Once I went through treatment and my eating disorder wasn’t consuming my identity anymore, I felt like I was left with a blank slate. I had been in my eating disorder for a long time. My safety and my identity were dependent on my appearance, my perfectionism, my rigidity. I remember trying to explain this to my residential therapist using my driver’s license/ID card as an example. I told her “My ID has a face on it and a name, and that’s ME. If what I look like changes that messes everything up”. Of course there were a lot of loop holes to my argument as it was only subject to if my weight changed (not hairstyle, make up, etc.), and the rule only applied to me. Nevertheless, when I was in my eating disorder that was the way my mind worked and it seemed to like a perfectly valid argument. But over time, with a lot of therapy I started to heal and my eating disorder started losing it’s grip. I began to see that my identity was not tied to my appearance or my achievement. Which left me feeling like I didn’t know who I was. I didn’t know what I enjoyed. I wasn’t even sure what personality characteristics I had outside of my former rigidity and perfectionism. It felt scary to not know who I was. Until my therapist told my I get to choose! I had not considered that. It was the most exciting and freeing thing she could have told me.

When deciding what characteristics I wanted to have I started with what I knew. I knew someone who was generous and I liked that, so I decided to be generous. I knew another person who spoke boldly and I liked that too, so I began to speak boldly. I knew another person who embraced her awkwardness instead of trying to hide it. I admired that because she seemed so strong in that way. So I made it a point to not hide my awkwardness, and instead embrace it. I knew someone who’s faith in Jesus carried her through anxiety and gave her a sense of safety and peace that the world can’t offer. I wanted that too, so I pursued a deeper relationship with Jesus. Those things are still part of who I am today. I have changed.

A new year in recovery means we get to be who we want to be. Breaking away from an eating disorder means we get to start choosing what we want to be like. That’s something worth celebrating. And certainly worth fighting for. I hope this new year brings hope, peace, and patience for those fighting for recovery. Happy New Year!

– Manna Alumni