News & Upcoming Events

Confirmation Bias

April 3, 2025 By Dominique Munday

Confirmation Bias: “What is That?”

Going into April celebrating April Fools Day is like experiencing biased confirmation. People look to influence our thinking to match what they are saying to us, just to yell ”APRIL FOOLS”!

Confirmation bias means we seek out information that supports/validates our preconceptions based on our current beliefs and reject any information that challenges those beliefs.

There are 3 types of Confirmation Biases:

Biased search for information – We research information that supports our views, beliefs. (I love Google).

Biased Interpretations – We evaluate the data that supports our views differently than the data that challenges our views. (We lie to ourselves).

Biased Memories – We tend to be selective in how we remember experiences that are going to support our narratives. (Keeps stereotyping alive and thriving).

Our biases are influenced by:

Social Media Posts, Religious Practice, Family Patterns, Environment in which we live.

Explore and Learn the implications of how you are impacted!

“Confirmation bias is like a horse running a race with blinders on and slowing down just before the finish line assured that he is winning, just to come in second place.” JB

What are your confirmation biased blind spots?

-Jania Bailey-Boyd, MS

Mental Hygiene: Nourishing Your Mind As You Nourish Your Body

October 28, 2024 By Dominique Munday

In western culture, we often prioritize physical health while neglecting an equally vital aspect of our well-being: mental hygiene. Just as we practice personal hygiene to keep our bodies healthy, we must also engage in habits that nurture our mental health. For many, it may prove to be beneficial if they frequent mental health providers just as much as they frequent medical/physical health providers. Let's take a deeper dive into what mental hygiene is and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.

What is Mental Hygiene?
Mental hygiene can be referred to as "the practices and habits that promote mental well-being and emotional resilience". It involves maintaining a healthy mental state through self-care, mindfulness, positive thinking, and often times mental health treatment/therapy! By prioritizing mental hygiene, we can reduce stress, improve our mood, and enhance our overall quality of life.

Practices for Mental Hygiene

Mindfulness and Meditation: Allocate a few minutes a day to engage in mindfulness or meditation. This can help ground you, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm.
Connect With Others: While moments of being alone can be helpful and necessary, it is important to foster healthy relationships and connections with other people. Sometimes a small hug or a quick high five can end up being the highlight of one's day.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise can be a useful tool for mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing, physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress.
Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors can have a rejuvenating effect on our minds. Nature has a calming influence and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from negativity to positivity, enhancing your overall outlook on life.
Establish Healthy Routines: Create a daily routine that includes time for self-care, hobbies, and relaxation. Consistency can provide a sense of stability and control in our lives.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools and support for maintaining mental hygiene.

Conclusion
Just as we brush our teeth, wash our hands, and visit our primary care doctor to maintain physical health, we must also take intentional steps to care for our mental well-being. By adopting practices of mental hygiene, we can cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. A healthy mind leads to a happier, more vibrant life. So, start today—you and your mental health deserve it!

-Zemirah Griffin, Primary Therapist

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

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

LEARN MORE

Join Our Angel Society

December 7, 2020 By Genie Burnett

Join Our Angel Society Manna's Angel Society Of Donors Manna's Angel Society monthly donor program

Manna's Angel Society Of Donors

Manna's Angel Society monthly donor program is the best way to help those who are in need of treatment. With every donation, we are able to provide scholarships and treatment to those struggling with eating disorders and trauma based issues. We work all year long to provide excellent treatment, but we cannot do it without your help.

At just $19 per month, you can help change lives.

Every gift saves lives. Please make a one-time donation if you are not able to make a monthly commitment.

For more information please reach out to marketing@mannatreatment.com

My ED Recovery Mealtime Prayer

November 13, 2020 By Genie Burnett

Lord, thank you for this food in front of me.
May it nourish my spirit, mind, and body.
Relax my tummy and help me to breathe.
Quiet my ED voice, I ask that it leave.
My fullness is ok, my body can be.
My feelings are safe, let them flow through me.
I don't need to compensate, I don't need to move.
You say I'm enough, I have nothing to prove.
No matter my size, my body is a gift from you.
Like Manna in the desert, fill me like you do.

Ways to Donate to Manna Fund

October 3, 2015 By Genie Burnett

Ways to Donate to Manna Fund Since 2007 Manna Fund has been dedicated to "fill the funding gap" for individuals treating eating disorders. Manna Fund is a tax deductible 501(c)(3) non-profit and we focus on those needing the most immediate and critical level of care. Most people are unaware at the costs associated with inpatient and residential treatment. Scroll to see ways you can help.

Inpatient Treatment Costs (average treatment costs, not specific to any hospital)

One Month .... $30,000

One Week .... $7,500

One Day .... $1,000

Residential Treatment Costs (average treatment costs, not specific to any facility)

One Month .... $12,000

One Week .... $3,500

One Day .... $500

Optional Funding Costs (towards other Manna Scholarship Fund costs)

Psychiatric Consultation .... $250

Individual Psychotherapy .... $130

Group Psychotherapy .... $75

Gift Basket .... $50

There are three levels of donation programs available: Individual Sponsorship, Corporate Sponsorship and Manna Sponsorship. To ask questions about these programs please call (770) 495-9775 or email info@mannafund.org.

In addition, there are great ways to support Manna Fund by designating us with companies you use regularly such as Amazon and Kroger.

Amazon Smile - Designate Manna Fund with Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase. To register:

Visit http://smile.amazon.com.

Select "Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc."

Shop on Amazon.com (Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to Manna Fund!)

Kroger Community Awards - Have a Kroger Plus Card (loyalty rewards card)? Support Manna Fund by going grocery shopping at Kroger (Kroger will donate a percentage of your purchase to Manna Fund). To register:

Visit https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards

Existing Plus Card users: "sign-in" with your current card to choose "Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc."

New users: select "create an account" if you are a new Kroger Plus Card user!

Talk it Out!

September 1, 2013 By Genie Burnett

Manna Fund, Inc. announces the development of a new interactive website for those with eating disorders:

Talk It Out

Use Your Voice, Not Your Body!

www.talkitout.org features:

Read More (about the disorder)

Find Professional Resources

(the most detailed search engine out there!)

Create a Safe Space

We have taken a brief hiatus while expanding our local services, but promise to put the updated website online as soon as it is possible. This website's function is to help with understanding your or your loved one's disease, as well as providing ways for you to obtain support if you are not receiving treatment.