Rock Recovery

Last month, we invited anyone who had ever contacted us for help to come to our "Community Empowerment" training.

Why? There is a purpose to empowering clients to do community outreach. Going out to community events to talk with the public can be incredibly therapeutic for those struggling. By learning to explain disordered eating to others in simply terms that others can relate to, they can realize that people really can relate to their struggles. They don't have to feel ashamed of their disorder. The hope is that, over time, they'll become more and more accepting of their own struggles, and more and more willing to share their struggles with not only strangers, but also with close friends and relatives who can support them. The later is actually much, much more difficult than the former. Trust me. Here's an example. Last month I gave my first college talk. I was not the least bit worries until I learned that my aunt would be there. Then I was terrified. Why? Because I could care less if a stranger sees the 'real me' for moment in time. I never have to see those people again. But my aunt is a different story. What would she ask me afterwards? Would she call my Mom? Would I be bombarded with even more questions at the next family gathering? Fortunately, I've become so very accustomed to talking about my history with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders that it just rolled off my tongue, despite my anxiety. Only after years of sharing my struggles with strangers am at a point where I can share openly with those closest to me.

I hope this helps clarify the reason that we think it's so important to invite and empower those struggling to join our community empowerment team! If your're interested, email us at volunteer@rockrecovery.net.

Thanks for reading!