Telling our story of Living Mentally Well

With the work being done at the FAME Toronto Office, the importance of Narrative and resilience through story telling has been an effective practice for families; particularly those who have experienced trauma in the family . With that, I was asked to speak last Wednesday,at the 3rd Annual Mindfest Seminar hosted at the University of Toronto. Mindfest is a collective meeting of professionals, speakers with lived experience and community agencies providing discussion on the various aspects and treatments of mental health challenges active in Toronto. Below is a copy of the talk given: 

Discussion of mental health had changed in recent decades. Though, a great deal of stigma and discrimination still exists. Our acknowledgment of mental wellness as a component of health has been accepted. Additional to the advancements in therapies and available treatments has been inclusion of the subjective and personal experiences of those who live with mental health challenges. This inclusion within the dialogue of practice has promoted advocacy and awareness.

Positive Dialogue for Supporting Recovery

      Speaking about the issues affecting our families can be challenging and at times leave us at a loss for words. Not knowing what to say can be confused with not caring and so we stay silent.  Like many other challenges to our loved ones, supporting an individual with an eating disorder (whether it be Anorexia, Bulimia or an EDONS) can leave us unsure of what to say. Unsure of when and what is appropriate to talk about can further the tensions we feel in the family.

In the following article, blogger Anna Rose speaks personally about suggestible phrases and templates of discussion to help ease into talking about the challenges felt by those living with an eating disorder. Though the article is specific to Eating Disorders, we can transfer these approaches to our own experience with supporting a loved one.

http://annarosemeeds.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/ten-things-to-say-to-someone-with-anorexia/

1. I love seeing your smile/your eyes light up/your sense of style/etc. Compliment something other than weight. There are so many beautiful traits that each person has. Finding a few that do not include words like “thin” should not be too difficult.
2. You are beautiful and worthy of love no matter what you weight is, was, or will be. This affirms the person and shows that weight is not what is the most important aspect of a human. There are more important qualities.
3. Would you like me to eat with you? Beware that the answer to this might be “No!” However, this simple action can mean so much. I realized that barely anyone has eaten with me at school. It is so lonely always eating alone. 
4. I have a granola bar/apple/glass of water/etc. You do not need to take it, but I would love to give it to you. Without pressuring someone into eating, you are showing how much you care about his or her well-being. Once again, the answer might be “no,” but the thought will not be forgotten.
5. It means so much that you went out to eat with us/had dessert with me/ate pizza with our friends/ect. Affirm times when your loved one eats scary food or in frightening situations. Show how that impacted others (including yourself) in a positive manner. 
6. It will be alright if you eat that cheese/trail mix/banana/cupcake. Your body knows what to do with it. Said in a compassionate manner, this can be so helpful. Be careful not to sound preachy or exasperated. Instead, just state the facts that the body knows how the process the food while sympathetically acknowledging that it is frightening.
7. How are things going lately? Do you want to talk? Simply being willing to listen without judging means so much. Hearing how someone with anorexia thinks might be painful. Actually listening without berating their eating disordered thoughts can be a huge blessing to them.
8. You are so strong. I believe that you will get through this. “Stay strong” is a common phrase said by people fighting for recovery. It might seem cliche, but it still is helpful as is your support.
9. Did that trigger you? When you say something that you realize could have been hurtful or upsetting, admit it. Instead of hoping that your friend or family member did not understand, ask the question and apologize if necessary. Everyone is triggered by different things.
10. I don’t understand that or how to help you. Tell me more. One of the most helpful things that you can do is just admit that you do not know what to do. Simply listening will teach you a great deal.