Yesterday's "CNN Health Minute" addresses the challenges eating disorder sufferers face during the holidays. The segment features Kris Shock, who we have worked with with at the Eating Disorders Information Network.
Click here to read the accompanying story. Kris's advice to "take care of yourself" is important for everyone, not just eating disorder sufferers, to remember. Thanks to Kris for sharing her story.
Next week is Thanksgiving and the start of (we hope!) several weeks of parties and celebration for the holidays. The season is meant to be a happy and joyous one, but we know that it can be especially stressful if you or someone you love is coping with or recovering from an eating disorder.
I recently received a couple of posts and articles with suggestions for handling the holidays and thought I'd pass them on:
And don't forget, there are two workshops coming up as well:
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Founder Jamie Tworkowski is taking her message on the road this fall with her presentation "Conversation: Pain, Hope, Questions, and Community," with music by Josh Moore. Her tour will be stopping in Birmingham - if you or someone you know is struggling with depression, take the time to attend this very special talk.
Samford University
Reid Chapel 8:00 PM
For more information, visit TWLOHA's site at www.twloha.com.
I thought it was high time to post on the blog myself and share a little bit about some of what goes on at Magnolia Creek. Last Wednesday night at the Creek was our third Drum Circle with John Scalici from Get Rhythm Programs.
John teaches that drum circles can be used as a metaphor for many aspects of recovery, including empowerment, overcoming struggle, and connection.
I’d never participated in a drum circle before, so I was a little apprehensive- thinking that we might have to yell out war calls or worse yet- perform a solo :). I was surprised as to how relaxing drumming can be. I expected it to be kind of loud and overwhelming, but it was more centering and comforting.
My favorite part was when one of the residents played a rhythm of recovery, symbolizing her triumph over the eating disorder. She used an ocean drum, which makes sort of a humming/purring noise, as a metaphor for the balance she wants to have when she recovers.
If you live in the area, John told us that he has a community drum circle one Saturday a month in Homewood. We’re thinking it would be really cool to do this as an outing!
The Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) in Atlanta, GA is offering two workshops this month that might be of interest:
For more information or to register, visit the EDIN website at http://myedin.org.
We know that the holiday season can be challenging if you are in recovery from an eating disorder. Which is why Magnolia Creek is hosting a special "Holiday Survival Workshop" for our former residents. Come back to "the Creek" to reconnect with other former residents and staff, and find the support you need to survive and even enjoy the upcoming holidays.
(Please note that the original mailed invitation had the incorrect days of the week.)
Hope to see you there!
From November 3 to December 1, 2008 the National Eating Disorders Association will host its 4th Annual “Every BODY is Beautiful” online auction. It’s a great way to support NEDA and take home some terrific items. Click here to access the auction's website.
Proceeds from the auction support important programs like NEDA’s national, toll-free Helpline, NEDAwareness Week, education efforts, research grants and more. So, spread the word and bid bid bid!
Sorry for the short notice on this, but just found out that the Eating Disorders Information Network will be hosting a workshop for parents near Atlanta tomorrow evening.
Parent Workshop
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
At the EDIN office:
124 Church Street in Decatur, GA
The workshop is based on the book, "Skills-Based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: The New Maudsley Method" and led by licensed psychologist Maureen Keown, PsyD. Attendees will learn practical skills in working towards positive change, developing problem-solving skills, building resilience, and managing difficult behavior. The cost is *FREE*, but you will need to contact EDIN to register as space is limited. For more information, visit EDIN's website at www.myedin.org.
Just discovered that the National Eating Disorders Association posted pictures from last month's conference and their STAR (States for Treatment Access and Research) Event online. Some of us from Magnolia Creek made it into the pictures at the STAR event, and I thought they'd be fun to share.
Have you ever noticed how much negative language about our bodies pervades our conversations? The saying about "sticks and stones" really isn't true - words and names do hurt us.
That's why Tri-Delta has teamed up with the National Eating Disorders Association, the National Organization for Women, the Academy of Eating Disorders, and other partners to sponsor "Fat Talk Free Week." It's an awareness effort to draw attention to the damaging impact of fat talk and the “thin ideal” on today’s women in society. So make a pledge this week amongst your friends and family to bury the fat talk. In fact, make pledge not to say anything negative related to appearances in general - it's actually going to be a lot harder than you think.
Peacefully situated beside a private lake and nestled among more than thirty wooded acres near Birmingham, Alabama, Magnolia Creek provides residential and day treatment for women struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other eating & exercise disorders. Our programs provide a comprehensive treatment experience, addressing the psychological, medical, nutritional, spiritual, and relational needs of our clients.
Licensed by the State of Alabama
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau
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