Many women with mental health issues struggle with poor self-esteem that affects body image and nutritional habits. January 19-23 is Healthy Weight Week, an initiative started over 25 years ago to help people better understand the standards of health. During this week, the women in Brookhaven Retreat’s residential treatment facility focus on the healthy habits that improve body image and nutrition habits.
Women with depression, anxiety and addiction issues often experience feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. Brookhaven Retreat finds that this internal distress is often outwardly expressed in a woman’s relationship with food. Often women may restrict their food intake as a form of self-punishment. Disordered eating fuels feelings of hopelessness and depression. Healthy Weight Week celebrates a healthy, diet-free approach to food that encourages feelings of acceptance, health and self-esteem.
Brookhaven Retreat integrates dialectical behavior therapy skills into its approach to nutrition. The women in its program create an awareness of hunger cues and mindful eating skills. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan women learn how to shop for healthy foods, participate in juicing and nutrition classes, attend individual sessions with a registered dietitian and weekly body image groups. Its team of chefs also focuses on creating complete, healthy meals that nourish the body and mind.
Brookhaven Retreat focuses on finding holistic wellness, therefore all of its groups encourage the healthy habits and positive thought processes that is essential to healthy body image and self-esteem. Acknowledging that a healthy weight is not based on the scale but rather a woman’s lifestyle creates high self-worth. This self-confidence is essential to mood disorder recovery, as it creates the foundation of which wellness is established.
