Eating disorder recovery can be deeply isolating, making it crucial to find connection and community along the way. Enter Equip Health, a fully virtual eating disorder treatment center that employs peer mentors to help individuals on their path to recovery.
Maris Degener leads the peer mentorship program at Equip. As a mental health advocate, artist, and writer, Maris is a shining example of what’s possible for those struggling with mental illness. Through her work at Equip, she’s dedicated to spreading hope and inspiration, showing others that they too can overcome their challenges.
Recently, Maris appeared on The Recovery Warrior Shows podcast channel to share more about her journey, and how peer mentorship is utilized at Equip.
Recovery can be lonely. It feels like nobody understands. Having somebody who can say they’ve been through it brings a meaningful connection.
By leveraging the power of connection and community, Equip is helping families and their loved ones emerge from the darkness of an eating disorder and into a brighter future.
The Role of Peer Mentors in Eating Disorder Recovery
Eating disorder peer mentors can offer a supportive and empowering experience for those in recovery. Maris explains that Equip’s mentors are trained to offer non-judgmental support, meet individuals where they are, and offer concrete advice to help navigate difficult situations.
More Benefits of Mentorship in Eating Disorder Recovery Include:
- A safe and non-judgmental space to discuss recovery struggles
- Concrete advice and coping skills
- Support in navigating difficult situations
- Empowerment through practicing and implementing coping skills together
- A meaningful connection to someone who has been through a similar experience
Long-Term Benefits of an Eating Disorder Peer Mentor
At Equip, the goal of eating disorder recovery is to help individuals build a life worth living. Peer mentors can support individuals in the long-term by helping them practice coping skills and build meaningful connections. As individuals progress in their recovery and begin living their lives, peer mentors may see them less frequently, which is ultimately a sign of progress and success.
Peer mentors also foster long term recovery by helping individuals shift to an empowerment model of recovery, where they practice and implement coping skills together. This model allows individuals to take control of their recovery and feel empowered through their progress.
Maris also points out that peer mentorship is flexible, and not one-size-fits-all. An eating disorder peer mentor will meet you where you’re at.
Each session is dependent on where the patient’s at. Yes we teach skills, but if there’s a day you need to just vent or talk about something unrelated to recovery, you can do that!
Eating disorder peer mentors offer a supportive and empowering experience to those in recovery. They provide a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss recovery struggles and support individuals in navigating difficult situations. By practicing and implementing coping skills together, individuals can take control of their recovery and build a life worth living.
Click here to find out more information about Equip.
Connect with Maris Degener & Equip
- Equip Website
- Maris Degener on Instagram
- Equip on Instagram
