EP 079 - JD Ouellette Shares Her Journey as a Mother Struggling with Her Daughter’s Eating Disorder & Equip Health Check Out Kinsey’s Story in Episode 077

Welcome back to Coffee and Conversation with Recovery Advocate Network.  I am your host, Ange, and I welcome you to Episode number 79. This is part 2 of our Eating Disorder Series. Last week, in Episode 77, Kinsey shared her journey healing from an eating disorder.

This week, JD Ouellette, an educator and director of lived experience for a virtual eating disorder program called Equip, shares her personal experience with her daughter's battle with anorexia nervosa. She also discusses her work in coaching families and providing evidence-based treatment. Ouellette emphasizes the importance of understanding that eating disorders can be rooted in something specific or have no clear cause. She also highlights the strong genetic component of eating disorders. Ouellette stresses the need for personalized treatment and the availability of various treatment options for individuals seeking help. Additionally, she acknowledges the value of shared connections and support in navigating the challenges of eating disorders.

JD Ouellette also discusses the challenges and complexities of navigating the insurance system for eating disorder treatment. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive and creative in finding coverage and support. JD also highlights the need for better education and awareness among healthcare professionals about eating disorders. JD encourages individuals and families to advocate for themselves and seek help, reminding them that recovery is possible.

About the Guest:

Today’s guest is JD Ouellette, an expert with experience in eating disorders, peer mentoring, parenting, and life. After fighting to save her loved one’s life from an eating disorder, she has learned what is needed to get a loved one well with specific skills and training. After her daughter went through a successful treatment that JD was forever grateful for, she decided to pay it forward by volunteering to mentor other parents of children beginning treatment. Once the college JD worked at as an administrator closed in 2018, she decided to devote herself full time to building her knowledge of eating disorders, mentoring parents or other caregivers who have a loved one going through an eating disorder, co-founded and admin the online community International Eating Disorders Family Support and World Eating Disorders Action Day and is a board member for Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders. She uses her knowledge and expertise to give families the best chance to help, heal, and flourish in the aftermath of an eating disorder.

As a reminder, at the heart of RAN’s mission is the urgent need to support individuals dedicated to their recovery journey but facing barriers due to insurance loopholes. With your help, we're on the verge of funding our first bridge grant, providing crucial financial assistance to those in need. Regardless of size, your contribution is crucial in changing and saving lives. We're so grateful to have you as part of our community. 

 

Guest Links:

• https://equip.health/
• https://www.tiktoc.com/@equiphealth
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdouellette
• https://www.facebook.com/JDOuellettePeerCoaching
• https://susannahfox.com/2021/08/06/peer-health-playbooks/.   
• https://wellbeingtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WBT_Family-Parity-Guide-FINALJune18.pdf
• https://www.jdouellette.com/
• https://www.feast-ed.org/
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/anorexia-may-be-linked-to-metabolism-a-genetic-analysis-suggests/
• https://www.adaptedtofamine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/guisinger-an-pr-2003.pdf

 

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About the Host:

Angela Gill Nelms is a co-founder and CEO of Recovery Advocate Network, a non-profit that focuses on mental wellness. Her primary objectives include educating individuals on what wellness truly means, eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, and helping those who require treatment to find the financial resources to live their best lives.

#BeBraveBeBadass. www.AngelaGillNelms.com

Keywords:

JD Ouellette, educator, director of lived experience, virtual eating disorder program, Equip, anorexia nervosa, coaching families, evidence-based treatment, genetic component, personalized treatment, modalities, shared connections, support, eating disorders, challenges, treatment options, nutrition, weight gain, recovery, well-nourished brain, therapy, family-based treatment, supportive environment, anorexia, reward-resistant, punishment-sensitive, insurance coverage, insurance system, support, education, awareness, healthcare professionals, recovery, peer support, advocate, help