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

   The peer mentoring is a free, no pressure program. They really take your lead on things, and are a guiding hand to gently nudge you in the direction you want to go.   

   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.   

   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.   

   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.   

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

   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 really enjoyed the community. I feel less alone.   

   My mentor is my rock!   

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

   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.   

   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.   

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

   With peer support, it’s always felt more like an exhale and a safe place to be completely honest and be completely heard with no judgement.