Mental Health

Unleashing Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Dogs in Counseling

May 1, 2024 By Dominique Munday

Unleashing Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Dogs in Counseling

Often beginning therapy can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for people. Individuals are consumed with anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, unsure of how to understand themselves; let alone the apprehension of entrusting a random stranger with the intricate pieces of one’s life. It has been found that using a dog in a therapeutic setting offers a bridge to help connect the client and clinician. Trust within a therapeutic dynamic is essential for any effective therapy to be completed; however, it can be difficult to build if it has been shattered previously in a person’s life. Canines can help foster a sense of safety and help clients open up and become more vulnerable in session which helps improve the overall effectiveness of therapy.

Research has found that “Petting an animal while discussing traumatic memories may even help those memories feel less painful.” This is a beneficial aspect to helping clients who participate in Manna’s Eating Disorder and Trauma IOP/PHP programs. Some benefits to having CGC animals in a therapeutic setting are:

· Helps to release “happy” hormones such a serotonin (helping to regulate mood), dopamine, and oxytocin.

· Reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms

· Lower cortisol levels which is the stress hormone

· Decrease blood pressure

· Improve pain management

· Assist in recall of painful memories

· Slow breathing

· Improve social skills related to confidence

· Helps foster and build sympathy and empathy

· Provides a sense of comfortability and safety when talking about one’s emotions

Scout is a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) who accompanies Suzanne, one of Manna’s part time therapists, in both individual and group settings at Manna. She is a 2.5-year-old Brittany doodle whose breed is known for their intelligence and high energy. She is quick to be the first one to greet you and is known to give lots of snuggles on the couch or pets within the group room. Scout went through a rigorous training course created by the American Kennel Club to certify her as a CGC dog. When Scout is not at work, she loves to play fetch and snuggle on the couch. She is a silly but sweet girl and has a lot of love for everyone she meets.

"One of my favorite things," Suzanne says, "is to watch Scout create and build bonds with clients when talking about hard things. I can see walls come down almost instantly. It is exciting to watch her explode with joy when she encounters a client when they walk into their therapy session. Scout has learned commands to help provide a sense of comfort by gentling placing her head in your lap or leaning her body against a client’s leg; sometimes she enjoys just being close by and taking a nap whether that be on the couch or in her kennel."

Suzanne is cautious to take into consideration the different emotional and physical needs of clients. Scout is not desired in all sessions which is understandable and has a kennel when needed. She is hypoallergenic making her accessible for comfort to most people. Suzanne monitors Scouts needs within session and will remove her and give her breaks as needed (just as we all need).

Suzanne aspires to one day obtain an Animal Assisted Therapy certification for Scout to provide specific counseling interventions for clients. For now, she is a friendly face to help greet, bring comfort, joy, and sometimes laughter to difficult moments.

-Suzanne Smith MS, LAPC

Body Image and Self-Worth

March 22, 2024 By Dominique Munday

Body Image and Self-Worth: Take Charge of How You See Yourself!

Statistics about how people view their bodies are heartbreaking! According to the NOW Foundation (National Organization for Women Foundation), “53% of American girls are 'unhappy with their bodies.' This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.” Body dissatisfaction is not only observed in women, it is a struggle for all genders. Additionally, the diet industry makes over $70 billion yearly in America and over $270 billion worldwide, and these numbers are steadily rising. Although we know there are many other contributing factors to the development of disordered eating and eating disorders, it is no wonder the prevalence is so high in our culture!

The way we view ourselves changes over time. Have you seen a young child grinning from ear to ear as they admire their outfit and reflection in the mirror? Maybe you can remember feeling this way about yourself early in life. Sadly, at some point, so many of us are negatively impacted by unrealistic “beauty ideals” and messages we receive about how we are "supposed' to be from other people. These spoken or unspoken messages about our appearance and how we are “supposed” to be “different” ultimately damage our self-worth, and faulty beliefs can develop about WHO we are.

In the busyness of life, it is easy for our mental health to take a backseat. Critical thoughts about outer appearance can lead to faulty beliefs about self-worth. Left unchallenged, these harmful beliefs about WHO we are can fuel maladaptive behaviors, including disordered eating, self-harm, and substance use/abuse. Sometimes, because of a mental health disorder, such as an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, someone does not see themselves accurately, even as other people see them. If you are struggling with body image and self-worth in a way that impacts your ability to live a joy-filled life, I urge you to seek the assistance of a counselor who can help you sort through beliefs about yourself and build skills that can help you heal. Manna would love to walk alongside you on this journey!

At Manna, we teach a variety of approaches and skills to combat poor body image and low self-worth. Here are a few examples of effective tools:

★ Challenge the concept of an “ideal beauty standard”. Remind yourself that this “standard” has changed dramatically, over and over again, throughout history. If we take a snapshot of one particular time period, any beauty “standard” is subjective, as it differs depending on which group of people we ask. Even within the same culture, ideas about “beauty” can vary drastically.

★ Determine whether you have beliefs about how you “should” look or be “different”? Examine the messages you have chosen to believe about yourself, where these messages have come from, and decide which are beneficial and which need to be challenged/discarded. A counselor can help you use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to dig deeper to find the core beliefs you have about your worth and challenge them with truth.

★ Set boundaries in the areas where you are receiving negative messages about body image and self-worth. For instance, boundaries are necessary with people who are critical of you. Boundaries in other areas, such as social media, may also be needed.

★ Make a function and gratitude list. If you struggle with body image related to a specific body part, write down all the reasons you are thankful for the functionality of that part of your body. For example, if you do not like the size of your legs, remind yourself of the purpose of your legs and write down all of the things you enjoy doing with your legs (e.g. walking, hiking, riding a bike, snow skiing).

★ Give yourself grace, as thoughts and beliefs about yourself will not change overnight. Just as it takes time for negative body image and poor self-worth to develop, it takes time to challenge and replace the messages that are causing distress and to notice body image and self-worth improving.

The reason I am so passionate about helping others with body image and self-worth is because I have experienced the freedom and joy that result from working through my own challenges in these areas. It is my absolute joy to teach others how to love themselves for who they truly are, instead of holding onto beliefs that degrade their worth.

I work with clients of all faith backgrounds, including clients who do not believe in God. Since I am a Christian, I choose to challenge my own faulty beliefs (LIES) with the way I believe God sees me (TRUTH). Examples of my truth statements are:

• My Heavenly Father created me exactly as I am supposed to be, including my physical body and inner characteristics.

• I am valued by God, despite my many mistakes and imperfections.

• I am accepted, loved, and ENOUGH, just as I am.

Struggles with body image and self-worth do not need to continue to derail your joy, and it IS possible to learn to believe the truth about yourself. You are uniquely amazing!

Christie Payne, LPC RD LD

What Does God Have to Do With Recovery?

February 28, 2024 By Dominique Munday

It’s a huge question, right? Our alumni group has gotten together and come up with answers based on our own experience through treatment and recovery. Most of us in the group have been to multiple treatment facilities, with Manna being our last. Manna is the only treatment facility that we’ve been to that has connected God with trauma and recovery. Through our experience, we believe God is essential in recovery and we want to share what we’ve learned.

Identity: God gives us identity as children of THE Holy God. That means we are made on purpose; loved and cherished. We matter because we matter to Him. We are capable because he equips us. He equips us with courage, creativity, working minds, friends, ect. And our gratitude outflows when we embrace our identity as God’s children. We know that God cares about our recovery because He tells us that we are not to have any other God but Him (Exodus 20:2-3), and addiction gets in the way of that. God tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in us, whom we have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, we can feel good about honoring our body by nourishing it, speaking well of it, and treating it well.

Dependence: We don’t have to be scared about our circumstances because God has already said that he will work everything out for good (reference Romans: 8:28). We can surrender expectations of what we thought our life ought to look like and we can make peace with the fact that life maybe didn’t go the way we think it should have. God is trustworthy. He knows our needs even better than we do and whatever he provides will be enough. Satan on the other hand is a liar. His desire is to steal, kill, and destroy. He can’t touch God, but he can attack what God loves – which is us. Satan creates pain intentionally and uses people who are in pain to hurt other people. But God has already created a solution for our pain. We must dig and be intentional in doing the work of allowing ourselves to feel the pain so it can move through us. Recovery is seeing our pain and moving through it to get to God because he will use it to grow us.

Grace: Pain that’s not dealt with can be very destructive. It can manifest as eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, substance abuse, and lashing out at others. Through Christ’s example of how he treats people in the bible, we learn how to treat ourselves with that same grace. If we mess up, we don’t have to take it out on ourselves. If we hurt someone, we aren’t to hurt ourselves in return- that’s not what God wants. God knows we will make mistakes and he has made a solution for that too.

Repentance: Repentance is asking forgiveness and changing our minds about how we think about something. Repentance not only pleases God, it also brings us closer to God. If we slip up and act out in a disordered behavior, we are not failures, and all is not lost. We can show ourselves the same grace Jesus shows his disciples when they constantly get it wrong. We can pick ourselves up and do the next right thing, eat the next meal and snack, and start over fresh the next day.

Forgiveness: Forgiveness is where we, as a recovering group, saw God most in our recovery. It seems to come later in the journey. It’s not as simple as “not thinking about the offense” – that’s avoidance. It’s not “not feeling anything”- that’s numbness. Forgiveness is evidence of God’s work because it is a true change of heart- and who else can change a heart other than God? Some examples from our group of what that looked like for us was: worshipping beside the abuser and hoping the best for her, caring for the abuser as he was dying, understanding (not excusing) that the abuser was also hurting and that everyone has their own narrative. Forgiveness is where the freedom is. And freedom brings peace. That is why it is so powerful.

In closing, we have been able to see God’s work in our lives through our recovery. Looking back at our journey we see where God was taking care of us all along. We can think differently now, therefore we act differently. When we share our stories, it encourages others. Knowing that someone else might benefit from what we’ve been through and learned helps give our journey purpose. Through treatment our recovery has brought us closer to God, made us stronger, and increased our ability to show love and compassion to ourselves and others. Therefore, we believe God has EVERYTHING to do with recovery.

-Manna Alumni

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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