Can you recognize the signs of human trafficking? Deena’s special guest is a dedicated nurse practitioner who breaks down trafficking’s profound impact on mental health.

In this episode, discover the multifaceted signs of human trafficking, common misconceptions surrounding trafficking, and the power of making sure others are okay.

In this episode, you also hear:

• How trafficking overlaps with eating disorders and addiction
• Identifying vulnerable populations and recognizing signs of trafficking
• Trauma-informed care and creating space for survivor stories

Must-listen moments:

[00:03:45] But there are so many parallels when it comes to mental health, when it comes to suicide, PTSD…88% of survivors of trafficking, in some studies, report depression, report shame and guilt, which you talk a lot about. That shame and guilt of whatever addiction or whatever that thing is—almost 90% of victims of trafficking reported when they're coming out of that life or being rescued.

[00:10:28] But the truth is, anybody can be trafficked. Anybody can be trafficked. We all have vulnerabilities about our personalities. We all have vulnerabilities about who we are, any of us could have something happen to us where we would rely or could be tricked or coerced by somebody or groomed by somebody, and that not end up being the situation we thought it was going to be.

[00:23:56] And sometimes you're not gonna know all the questions to ask, and it may be really complex and you're like this is a lot, I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do. And I think a lot of times you just come back to it and approach somebody and just say, hey, are you okay? And that can really speak volumes because somebody realizes that you saw them and being seen can mean a whole lot just in that simple sentence.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Eating disorders can create a significant financial burden when insurance doesn’t cover treatment, resulting in difficulties in finding specialized providers and high out-of-pocket costs.

In this episode, Deena sheds light on the price tag of her treatment, resources for financial support, and the need for better education about eating disorders within the insurance industry.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Issues with insurance policies and coverage
• Details about Project HEAL and the Manna Fund
• Finding the beauty in living instead of existing

Must-listen moments:

[00:04:36] The bottom line is that insurance is still not inclusive enough to completely cover or understand the needs of people with eating disorders.

[00:10:28] There has to be a change because there's too many families out there that can't afford treatment.

[00:14:55] Reaching out for help is a brave step forward and without treatment, eating disorders can feel like a prison of fear and self-doubt.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Project Heal - https://www.theprojectheal.org/

Manna Fund - https://mannafund.org/

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Eating disorders can completely upend your life, resulting in an uphill battle to establish a sense of normalcy and control.

In this episode, Deena walks us through her toughest days of living with depression alongside an eating disorder, and addresses listener questions about her treatment and ongoing healing journey.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Managing guilt and multiple eating disorders

• Balancing mental health and treatment

• Challenges of body dysmorphia and being in recovery

Must-listen moments:

[00:08:32] No, I will never be cured. I will be in recovery is what I'm going to be.

[00:13:37] It's not a magic pill, and so, yes, I do continue to take it and I will always need it, because something in my brain doesn't make a certain chemical to keep me level-headed and so I'm going to always need some type of antidepressant to do that. And it's made a huge impact in my life.

[00:17:52] I compare myself to other people constantly. I think that's where communication comes in and having a sponsor, having someone that you can trust to speak to. I think they're normal feelings to have because I still have them after all these years.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

For those struggling with an eating disorder, the idea of changing eating habits can be paralyzing, often hindering the pursuit for help.

In this episode, Deena credits treatment for transforming her perspective on food, body image, and exercise. She emphasizes the importance of small steps and encourages others on their recovery journey to remember support is available.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Reframing food as nourishment vs. the enemy

• Tips for increasing self-acceptance

• Exercising with intention to enhance well-being

Must-listen moments:

[00:03:36] If I come across something today where I fear something, it's usually a sign to me. If it's something that I just can't get out of my head, that it's something I need to face. And usually when I face it, most times it's not as bad as I think it's going to be in my mind and I get through it.

[00:06:10] I want to enjoy my life. I lost ten years of my life, and that eating disorder stole it from me, and I don't want to lose any more.

[00:11:05] I have to be very intentional about what I choose to do as exercise, because the things I choose in my life now affect my family, my husband, my children, everyone around me.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Relationships require hard work and communication, but when one partner is struggling with an eating disorder, it can test the strength of both individuals. Recovery and maintaining a relationship rely on mutual understanding and patience, acknowledging both partners are impacted by the disorder.

In this episode, Deena and Brian explore the dynamics of being in a relationship or marriage while one partner is undergoing treatment and the necessity of honest communication and support.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Difficulty of sustaining relationships
• Inviting people into your support system
• Team approach to treatment and recovery

Must-listen moments:

[00:02:23] I almost felt like I was cheating initially because I was in a relationship with him, and I was in a relationship with my eating disorder. And I'm going to say for sure that I love my eating disorder way more than I loved him at that time.

[00:12:17] Sometimes those people that support you are not the people you think are going to be the ones that support you. Sometimes you have to go outside of your circle to find that support.

[00:16:40] Even though I was the one with the eating disorder, we both went through hell and back, because while I was fighting for my life, he was trying to support me and keep our livelihood.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Even without an eating disorder or addiction, implementing a change to your lifestyle can be extremely difficult. Achieving change demands years of dedication, consistent daily choices, and a robust support system.

In this episode, Deena and Brian address barriers to creating lasting change and why long-term care is crucial for sustainable recovery.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Emotional struggle behind change
• Small steps to begin letting go
• Details about Center for Discovery Treatment Centers

Must-listen moments:

[00:05:38] There's underlying causes that keep us in that perpetual loop of ‘I'm not going to change because I fear change, and I just keep going round and round in this cycle’, and that's where long term treatment helps us break that cycle and get us to a healthy place.

[00:16:09] When we talk about change. It's over time. It's only with a great deal of struggle that that change occurs. And when that change occurs, I think it's important for people on the outside to realize that it's not black, white, it's not on, off— it's a degree of gray.

[00:17:58] Maybe you can just let go of something like that…I'm not saying do all this in one day…Maybe you can be more flexible by releasing some of the rigidity and the rules that you put up in front of you and the inflexibility of your daily routine.

Resource Mentioned:

Center for Discovery in Texas

Mila Morris: (469) 798-3527

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Self-harm can take several different forms such as cutting, burning, scratching, restricting food, and these alarming behaviors often mask a deeper emotional pain. Recovery from self-harm and eating disorders is an ongoing process, it’s not something that can be completely resolved with treatment alone.

In this episode, Deena stresses that open communication and education are vital for support and understanding on the never-ending road of recovery.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Complex reality of self-harm as a coping mechanism
• How new environments pose challenges to recovery
• Understanding treatment is not a permanent fix

Must-listen moments:

[00:07:14] People or individuals can become trapped in such a vicious cycle of self-destruction that eventually you just don't—I'll speak for myself. I didn't think I was good enough…and so I was slowly killing myself and just taking anything, I could do to harm myself, whether that was not eating or whatever that form was.

[00:10:30] I think the obsession comes and that the behavior is repeated over and over and over again to get that same high. Just like with an alcoholic or a drug addict. You just keep hoping for that same relief that you had from the very first time. It is a form of punishment, an expression of self-hatred toward their own self.

[00:13:54] You can go, and you can be in treatment and have all this help given to you. You have to work the program yourself, but it's not something that just goes away one day.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

Pride is not just a feeling reserved for the end of the recovery journey but a crucial element to embrace throughout the process. Whether someone’s been in recovery for a day, an hour, or even a minute, every step forward is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

In this episode, Deena and Brian acknowledge the challenges of maintaining motivation, the role of support systems, and the power of reframing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

In this episode, you also hear:

• Power of pride and marking milestones in recovery
• Replacing harmful behaviors with small acts of self-care
• Realities of relapse and facing the fear of seeking treatment

Must-listen moments:

[00:01:09] Take a moment and be proud of yourself. You're fighting demons. Your brain's telling you all kinds of things that aren't true.

[00:14:55] I will always consider myself a work in progress. I’ll never think of myself as recovered. I’m always recovering, because as soon as I put the ed on that word, then I think I can figure this all out on my own.

[00:17:15] It's important to even celebrate that. You went in somewhere, you challenged yourself. You did that, and you may not be happy about it. It may be a miserable experience, but you did it and you got through it.

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

Podcast audio editing and show notes by http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.