Creative Corner

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (the basis of our Self-Management curriculum) was developed by Marsha Linehan in 1993. It was originally developed for self-harm and suicidal ideation tendencies in bipolar and borderline patients, but the strategies have since been studied and shown effective for addiction, adolescents with emotional disregulation or behavioral issues and other mental health disorders. (MacPherson et al., 2013)

 Through mobile and online technologies, the adoption of digital peer support is expanding the reach of peer support services and, therefore, expanding our aid to those with mental health disorders. Several studies have been reviewed and show "statistically significant improvements in psychiatric self-management" (Allan and Myrick, 2020) These improvements were observed in self-efficacy for managing chronic health conditions, hope, quality of life, medical self-management skills, and empowerment.

According to the National Eating Disorder Awareness Organization, 50% of those with an eating disorder also suffer from a substance use disorders or co-occurring disorder" (Root et al, 2013). For those who suffer, the biggest factor in recovery is support from those who understand. In an article in the Qualitative Research Journal, the authors found that support during and after meal times and sharing in experiences of both "pain and promise" can have a positive effect. "The findings indicate that the support group provided a safe space to share their lived experience, that it reduced stigma and isolation, and improved participants' motivation and engagement" (Anderson et al, 2020).