teen mental health gwinnett county

You are Enough, Just Because You are YOU!

July 28, 2025 By Dominique Munday

You are Enough, Just Because You are YOU!

In a world that often confuses self-worth with appearance, achievement, or social media “likes,” it’s easy to lose sight of one simple truth: your worth is not defined by any of these things—you are enough, just because you are YOU!

At Manna, we walk alongside individuals navigating eating disorders and mental health struggles through outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization care. Often, we see how distorted beliefs about identity can become deeply rooted. But we also witness something beautiful—how healing happens when people reconnect with the truth of who they are.

What is Self-Worth?

Self-worth is how you perceive your value as a person. Healthy self-worth is knowing that you are precious, not because of what you do or how you look, but because of who you are.

In the Bible, we are reminded over and over again:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

You were created with intention. No imperfection, label, diagnosis, or number on a scale can diminish your God-given worth.

Common Myths about Self-Worth

We are surrounded by a culture that tells us we are not enough. Daily, we are bombarded with messages about the need to be more, do more, and be different. But God’s truth speaks louder, if we’re willing to listen. We are enough just as we are.

Myth: “I’ll be enough once I lose weight.”
Truth: You are already valuable. Your worth isn’t measured by a number on a scale.

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Myth: “If I’m struggling, it means I’m weak.”
Truth: Struggle is part of the human experience, and God helps us and grows us through struggles.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Myth: “I have to earn love and approval.”
Truth: You are already fully known and fully loved by your Heavenly Father.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

How to Reconnect with Your God-Given Worth

When self-worth deteriorates, it is necessary to reclaim the truth about your worth; this is a process that takes time. Identifying, challenging, and changing faulty beliefs about your worth enables you to reconnect to the truth about who you are: you are AMAZING!

Here are a few gentle steps to begin:

Practice self-compassion.
Grace isn't just for others—it’s for you, too. Treat and speak to yourself with kindness and patience, just as you would treat your closest friend.

Renew your mind.
Each time negative thoughts arise, counter them with truth.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

Set healthy boundaries.
Your time, energy, and heart matter. Take time for self-care and do not overextend yourself. No one can pour from an empty cup.

Stay connected to others.
We are not meant to be alone, and healing happens through relationships with safe people and with God.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

You are Not Alone

If you’re reading this and struggling to believe you are enough, be encouraged. You are not alone in your pain, and you are not beyond hope. Whether you’re battling an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, or another storm, God sees you and loves you. And Manna is here to walk alongside you on your journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or mental health concern, please reach out to our team. We are here to provide compassionate, Christ-centered care and support.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

-Christie Payne, LPC, RD, LD

Men’s Mental Health Month

June 24, 2025 By Dominique Munday

Men’s Mental Health Month: A Personal Reflection and a Call to Break the Silence

June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and it hits home for me more than ever this year. As someone who works in mental health, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply pain can hide behind a smile, a joke, or the phrase “I’m fine.” I’ve watched fathers, husbands, sons, and friends wrestle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-doubt in silence—because somewhere along the line, they were taught that real men don’t talk about their feelings.

The truth is, they do. And they must.

Statistics show that men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health support. Yet they account for nearly 4 out of 5 suicide deaths in the U.S. (CDC, 2023). That’s not a coincidence—it’s a crisis.
This month is a chance to change the narrative. To say out loud that men’s mental health matters, and that there is strength—not weakness—in asking for help.

Whether you're the man who’s been silently carrying too much, or someone who loves him, here’s what I want you to know:
-You are not alone.
-You do not have to figure it all out by yourself.
-Therapy is not a last resort—it’s a powerful first step.

Where to Start: Mental Health Resources for Men
Therapy for Black Men (https://therapyforblackmen.org)
A directory and community focused on breaking the stigma in Black male communities.
HeadsUpGuys (https://headsupguys.org)
Offers tips, tools, and therapist directories specifically for men dealing with depression.
Movember (https://us.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health)
A leading movement supporting men’s health with a major focus on suicide prevention.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988) 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.

What You Can Do This Month
-Check in with the men in your life—really check in. Go beyond “how are you?” and hold space for honesty.
-Encourage therapy and model vulnerability. Sometimes the best way to help is to lead by example.
-Share resources, raise awareness, and help normalize mental health conversations.

Men’s Mental Health Month is more than a campaign—it’s a life-saving movement. Let’s do more than just talk about it. Let’s live it.
Because real men feel, real men talk, and real men heal.

-Ta'Neja Rodgers, MSW, LCSW, Primary Therapist, Chief Operating Officer

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

May 28, 2025 By Dominique Munday

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

With summer just around the corner, it's more important than ever that we are hydrating our body with the right amount of fluid to keep us cool in the heat. But why exactly is staying hydrated important? How much water should I really be drinking? Can I only drink water to meet my fluid needs? Today we’ll be answering these questions and setting the record straight about hydration misconceptions!

Why Is Water So Important?

Water has a variety of essential functions in our body. Some of which include:

1) Regulation of Body Temperature - Water helps regulate body temperature through sweating and absorbing excess heat.

2) Nutrient and Oxygen Transport - Water helps carry the nutrients we eat and the oxygen we breathe to the necessary cells in our body.

3) Waste Removal - Water helps eliminate waste products through urination, sweating, and bowel movements.

4) Joint Lubrication - Water lubricates and cushions joints, protecting them from damage.

5) Maintaining Blood Pressure – Drinking enough water ensures your blood volume, or amount of blood, is enough, which helps regulate your blood pressure.

6) Digestion - Water is essential for digestion, helping to move food through the digestive system and prevent constipation.

7) Cognitive Function – Proper hydration supports brain function and cognitive ability.

8) Skin Health - Water contributes to healthy skin by keeping it moist and lubricated.

What Is the Right Amount of Water to Drink?

I’m sure we’ve all heard the classic advice of drinking 8 glasses of water/day, and while this is a great place to start, it's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hydration. Several factors, such as your activity level, the climate of where you live, your individual health conditions, and whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding, impact your daily water needs.

Diet and wellness culture like to promote the idea that you can never drink enough water. However, this is not the case! Your kidneys are only able to process 4 cups of water per hour, so anything over this can place you are risk of water toxicity – a life-threatening condition.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of dehydration and overhydration are eerily similar, including headache, fatigue, and dizziness. While you may experience these symptoms and assume you are dehydrated, consider if you may actually be overhydrated before reaching for your water bottle. A good rule of thumb to determine if you are adequately hydrated is peeking in the toilet. If you are well hydrated, your pee will appear light yellow. Dark yellow pee typically means you are dehydrated, while clear pee can mean you are overhydrated.

What Contributes to My Fluid Intake Besides Water?

While drinking water is the best source of hydration, there are other ways to hydrate if water isn’t your jam. Teas, and specifically herbal teas, are great for hydrating and can make meeting your fluid needs more exciting! Most fruits and vegetables have a super high water content and can be a great tool to help you reach your fluid needs. Lastly, try adding fruits, such as lemons or raspberries, or flavors to your water to help boost its flavor. If you find yourself sweating frequently, consider adding an electrolyte packet to your drink!

Working With a Dietitian

Hopefully this blog post helped clear up any questions you had about hydration. If you are worried about the amount of water that you are drinking, and want to work on becoming more hydrated, consider working with a Dietitian who can help you create a plan based on your individual needs!

-Isa Porrazzo, Registered Dietitian

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

I AM Who I AM

March 11, 2025 By Dominique Munday

I AM Who I AM

“I AM OLGA!”

The bouncing blonde woman, dressed in a 150-year-old Ukrainian outfit, beamed as she introduced herself in her Ukrainian accent.

“Yes, you are!” I replied, smiling back.

She was adorable—radiating joy, eager to share her story of how she was supporting her family back home. Olga was a beautiful example of someone embracing her true essence, allowing it to shine through her words and presence.

What would it be like to fully embody and radiate our internal essence? To be so joyful about who we are that we literally light up a room?

What if our “I am” was filled with excitement, exuberance, and a deep, life-giving joy?

How would that change how we feel inside? What would we be doing?

Hopefully, at some point in your life, you’ve experienced that feeling. Maybe in the past, maybe even today. If the parents, leaders, coaches, and mentors of the world are doing their jobs, they encourage us to learn, grow, and embrace both our successes and our flaws.

I believe one of the most intimate things God ever said was, “I AM who I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

When I researched the Hebrew meaning of this phrase, I found that it expresses God’s eternal existence—He is who He says He is. He exists. He be. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A continuous state of being.

If that’s true, then one of the most powerful and intimate statements we can utter begins with “I am.”

How we finish that phrase shapes who we are. It influences how we feel, how we live, and ultimately, who we become.

We use “I am” in two key ways:

1. In relation to others – “I am… your teacher. A mother. His friend.” These statements define our roles in the lives of those around us. They carry meaning, power, and nuance depending on how we interpret ourselves in those relationships.

2. In relation to ourselves – “I am… sad. Thoughtful. Safe. Loved.” These statements reveal our internal world. Whether spoken aloud or expressed

through tone, facial expressions, or behavior, they communicate how we perceive ourselves in that moment.

Every time we complete the phrase “I am,” we shape our reality. Each thought influences the next, setting the course for our lives.

So, be mindful of what you say—especially to yourself. Your brain doesn’t always distinguish between words spoken by others and the thoughts you generate internally.

Remember, God created the heavens and the earth with just His words. He spoke, and it came to be.

What if the same creative power exists within us?

He also created you—uniquely, wonderfully, intentionally. So live like the masterpiece you are. Speak blessings over yourself. Be the only you that exists—imperfect, undeniable, amazing.

You.

-Dr. Genie Burnett, Psy.D, CEDS-S; CEO and Clinical Director

Adolescent IOP

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

A structured three day per week, three hours per day program (Tuesday through Thursday, 4-7pm) designed to support adolescents who are not able to meet their mental health needs on an hour per week basis.

This program is for adolescent mental health needs, including depression, social or other anxiety, coping with family issues (divorce, loss, etc), or other behaviors that are difficult to stop (except alcohol/drug addiction).

If there is an eating disorder concern, we are able to help support you in our comprehensive Eating Disorder PHP or IOP program.

Congratulations for taking a hard and necessary step! Please call our office at (770) 495-9775.

LEARN MORE

Clients shall be considered for admission to the Intensive Outpatient Program when they meet the following criteria:

1. Are age 13 to 18 years old (if 18, must still be in high school). 12-year-olds will be considered on an individual basis.

2. The adolescent exhibits psychological or behavioral symptoms that significantly impair their functioning in two or more areas of life: home, school, occupational, and/or other important areas of functioning.

3. Program attendance is expected to improve or maintain the individual's current behavioral functioning and prevent any further decline, which would result in being referred to a higher level of care.