“I’m So Excited for My Life.” — Thrive Wellness Client Megan Fairbanks Discusses Her Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery

Thrive • January 17, 2023

Thrive Wellness client Megan Fairbanks attended eating disorder treatment, found healing, and impressively recreated her life in recovery. In the Q&A below, Megan describes her treatment experience and inspiring personal growth.

When did you attend eating disorder treatment at Thrive Wellness?

I’ve been to Thrive Wellness a few times. With each experience, I learned something new. During my most recent treatment stint, I wholly committed to healing. I decided it was something I wanted. And here I am today, more than two years in recovery .

What was different about your most recent decision to begin treatment?

People often have epiphanies in their recovery journeys. Sometimes the realizations are gradual, and sometimes they undeniably burst into the mind. One day, I woke up and knew that I didn’t want to struggle with my eating disorder anymore. I was tired of the behaviors that had taken away my friendships, turned me into an untrustworthy person, and hurt my body . Still, I found it difficult to believe that my life would get better. Thrive Wellness helped me take the leap of faith. They made sure I wasn’t alone on this journey, and that’s special.

Can you describe your eating disorder treatment experience at Thrive Wellness?

Typical treatment days consisted of different therapy groups and two to three meals . My favorite therapy group was art therapy . It inspired me to want to become an art therapist.

Thrive Wellness’ staff was so nice. I could tell they wanted to make the world a better place. I felt loved and supported by them.

The other clients were amazing as well. The personal and intimate experience of treatment allowed me to connect deeply with individuals that I wouldn’t typically encounter. I was even able to make lifelong friends.

Were there any Thrive Wellness recovery coaches that were especially helpful during your treatment experience?

My two favorite recovery coaches were Rachel Hald, LMSW, CSW-Intern, who’s now a therapist, and Natalie Russ, BSW-Intern. They saw me at my worst. Now, I’m stronger and better than ever.

How has your perspective changed since attending treatment and beginning recovery?

When my eating disorder was active, I wanted to be the best, the skinniest, etc. After attending treatment, I realized there’s so much more to life than being the smallest. I also learned to enjoy food again, which had been immensely difficult for me before treatment. Additionally, I learned to sit with my thoughts and emotions while also becoming more comfortable with myself.

Every day, I learn more about who I am and how I can repair my relationship with food and my body. The opportunity that Thrive Wellness gave me to reconnect with myself and my inner child was extraordinary. I love Thrive.

Throughout my eating disorder, I lost friends. Since recovering, I’ve also made friends. Most importantly, I’m my own best friend. Nourishing my mental, emotional, and physical health comes first. I know that my eating disorder doesn’t allow me to be authentic, which is essential to me.

What would you tell others with eating disorders who may be reluctant to attend treatment?

I was hesitant to go to treatment as well. The thought of spending twelve hours of my day at a treatment center scared me, but it was necessary.

For an individual considering treatment, their eating disorder probably makes them feel safe. The condition is no longer serving them, however. It’s hurting them. Treatment will open up a whole new world. Yes, the unknown is most likely scary, but it’s also beautiful.

Without taking the first step, learning to walk is impossible. Without caring for oneself , growing into a new person is impossible. Take that leap of faith, and fake it until you make it.

What does your life look like today in recovery?

My eating disorder was active during my junior and senior years of high school. All of my friends were stressed about Advanced Placement (AP) tests, and I was worried about surviving until the next day. Today, I’m looking at new colleges. I’m going to graduate next semester. I’m so excited about my life.

Before treatment, I couldn’t realistically move away from home. Now, I’m applying to out-of-state colleges. It’s so amazing to see the progress that I’ve made. I’ve become more resilient and a better person.

The eating disorder took so much from me. I couldn’t think normally. My thoughts revolved around food and my body. Now, I have the mental space to think about more important things, like my boyfriend and my dog.

COLLABORATIVE, COMPREHENSIVE EATING DISORDER TREATMENT AT THRIVE WELLNESS

Through primary care, mental health therapy, nutrition guidance, and occupational therapy , Thrive Wellness’ interdisciplinary clinicians provide collaborative care to clients struggling with eating disorders. Emphasizing Intuitive Eating practices, Health at Every Size® (HAES®) principles, and mindful movement , Thrive Wellness empowers individuals to reclaim and redefine their relationships with food and their bodies. To learn more about our eating disorder treatment services , reach out .

While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.

The post “I’m So Excited for My Life.” — Thrive Wellness Client Megan Fairbanks Discusses Her Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.

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Navigating Coming Out: Emotional Wellness Tips for Every Stage

June 4, 2025

Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.