The online peer support programs allow me to connect with people in a safe and anonymous way. This allows for real, healing conversations to happen and helpful guidance from mentors who have lived experience with eating disorders.   

   Eating disorders thrive in loneliness. The mentors in the programs share assurances and personal stories and suddenly the world isn’t so lonely anymore. The battle against the eating disorder doesn’t seem so big.   

   I suddenly wasn’t alone in my eating disorder and lost in recovery. Suddenly, there was a click in my brain and I realised that a crucial part to my recovery would be seeking out support networks.   

   In maintaining my own eating disorder recovery, the Eating Disorders Nova Scotia online support group is one of the most important resources available to me.   

   The group was everything I could have hoped for: a pro-recovery atmosphere, free of judgment or blame, where people in all stages of recovery can share and support one another.   

   The trained facilitators are especially helpful in how they can relate to the group members, having lived experience of eating disorders recovery themselves.   

   In terms of accessibility, the online mode of delivery is indispensable: for many reasons not everyone can access resources in-person.   

   I saw a post on Facebook from Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, advertising about an online group they had coming up. I have high anxiety and the thought of this type of thing was so tempting, but so scary at the same time.   

   I decided that enough was enough and I signed up for my first online session. During that time I never once felt judged. Instead I felt accepted, understood and surrounded by people who I could relate to on so many levels.   

   I felt safe. The facilitators were all wonderful in keeping the conversation going, but always allowing and encouraging feedback and comments from the participants.   

   I can tell you from experience that these online peer-support groups are an essential resource for anyone recovering from an eating disorder.