Stigma keeps people stuck and prevents those struggling with disordered eating behaviours from reaching out for support.

From May 4-10th, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is inviting people across the country to embrace the 2026 theme: “Come Together, Canada”. This year’s message, Stronger connections. Better mental health, highlights the powerful role that social connection plays in overall well-being, and it resonates deeply within the context of eating disorder recovery.

In this edition of “Meet the Westwind Staff,” we get to know Toni Vandenbrink, one of our newest team members. Toni is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about supporting individuals with eating disorders on their road to recovery.

Being ready for recovery does not require a specific feeling or level of motivation; it is a state that is created with support and structure.

Every year, groups from across Canada come together on February 1st to 7th for Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW), a week focusing on raising awareness about eating disorders in Canada and discussing challenges and barriers in accessing care.

Every day is an opportunity to choose recovery, even when that choice feels quiet or imperfect. This new year, you might consider choosing values-based living over resolutions, self-compassion over self-control, and long-term healing over short-term pressure.

The holidays are often described as magical, cozy, joyful and full of togetherness. While those things can be true, this season can also bring unique challenges for someone navigating recovery from an eating disorder.

There are moments in treatment for clients where the light can feel far away, when thoughts of “I can’t do this anymore” start to take over.

Research has tried to define a standardized definition of recovery; however, these definitions often leave out perspectives from those with lived experience of an eating disorder.

Willingness, in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is about psychological flexibility, or the ability to stay present with whatever is happening inside you without judgment or resistance.