Kiran first joined Sheena’s Place in the spring season of 2023. “I was diagnosed with diabetes and binge eating disorder that February. I was interested in exploring behavioural interventions to help manage my health as opposed to drug therapies. My doctor recommended Sheena’s Place as somewhere to start. By the time I was ready to try, it was near the end of the spring season, but I was able to access a drop-in support group right away. I was a bit intimidated but that feeling was almost immediately erased. The experience left me hopeful, so I signed up for another group in the summer.”
Since then, Kiran has attended several skill-building groups. “I’ve tried different groups over the past year and have found the skill-building groups particularly helpful. The drop-in mindfulness group with Nicole provides a weekly opportunity to practice mindfulness in a structured way. I have learned many very helpful skills in RO-DBT with Colleen and Sara. The skills are bite-sized, applicable and transferable I am applying them often and regularly, strategies like Cope Ahead, and S.T.O.P. Attending these groups, learning and applying the skills has supported me to the point of feeling firmly on the road to recovery. My self-awareness has increased. My ability to manage my emotions has improved. I’m in a much better place. I’m no longer suppressing or ignoring my feelings.”
Aside from the specific skills that Kiran has picked up, the experience of community has been equally important. “In the period before discovering Sheena’s Place, I felt very alone. I was going through a separation and processing learning about my health concerns. The community at SP is welcoming and non-judgmental. Knowing that I have one or two groups scheduled every week, I can look forward to connecting with these folks. Getting support from people with similar experiences is substantially different from getting support from other kind people who can’t appreciate what it’s like. Also, the facilitators do a wonderful job of ensuring everyone feels accepted and cared for, even with so many different personalities present for the group.”
“The community and the learning have been invaluable. I highly recommend SP to anyone who is serious about improving their mental health and dealing with their eating disorder.” Kiran says, “It has helped me become a better person and a better father. I would not have been able to afford paid care for my ED. I’m very grateful to Sheena’s Place.”