Testimonial

BANA has continuously provided an exceptional health promotional service to the students of General Amherst High School. Our grade 10 food and nutrition class has enjoyed their informative and engaging presentation for years. They continue to highlight the unrealistic messages that the media presents and the consequences of these influences. They create awareness about eating disorders in an atmosphere that challenges student thinking and encourages questioning. They provide an opportunity for students to connect to BANA's supportive services through friendly and approachable speakers who convey these messages with enthusiasm, passion and humour. Thanks BANA for making a difference.

Mrs. Kary Coulson
Teacher, Grade 10 Food and Nutrition
Nov. 2012

Testimonial

I dedicate the following testimonial to those in recovery, individuals supporting loved ones and to the BANA staff. Often when we are in the process of therapy we feel lost, confused, and frustrated. The hardest part for me was struggling with the critical voice of my eating disorder. I felt like things would never change and I spent a lot of time crying, and honestly looking back I think that was one of the things that helped me the most. I allowed myself to feel the vicious voice of my eating disorder, which ‘woke me up’ so that I could fight back against my disorder. BANA helped me fight back against my eating disorder on a daily bases. Every day I challenged my disorder, every day I made a small change. My motivation and drive to continue with my eating disorder is ultimately what helped me beat it. I turned my motivation to a positive by finding a purpose in life, which was fighting my eating disorder. I kept saying to myself ‘my eating disorder isn’t working and isn’t worth it.’ I think this is a key part to therapy, I wanted to fight back against my disorder, that drive and motivation kept me going. -> (continued on next slide)

Testimonial

(cont') I didn’t give myself the option to go back to my eating disorder habits, for me going back was deal breaker. This mindset was very critical to my recovery and guides my life today. If I could speak to someone currently in therapy at BANA or considering treatment, I would say to them that they can fight against their eating disorder, and people do recover. Coming to therapy is a strength not a weakness. I recovered because I came to BANA and was open, honest and willing to try anything they suggested. Please keep this in mind because the staff at BANA are an example of a healthy voice. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for their efforts, kindness, and support. To conclude, I hope individuals reading this understand that recovery is possible, please stay strong and be kind on yourself, you are beautiful spirit that deserves a whole life. My experience at BANA changed my life and what I wrote above, would not be possible without them. My sincerest thanks to you BANA. -_anonymous

Testimonial

“I began volunteering for BANA in order to contribute to the community and gain valuable experience in an area of mental health of particular interest to me as I pursue a graduate degree in social work. I have had the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of ways, representing BANA at various community events, such as health fairs, answering general inquiries and providing information about the organization to the public. I have also assisted in presentations and workshops that promote self-esteem and nutrition and evaluate media influence on body image. I encourage anyone with a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn to Volunteer their time to BANA."

Laura Hamilton, Volunteer