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NEDA Navigator Guidebook Not for public distribution. For exclusive use by official NEDA Navigators Guidelines for Sharing Stories of Recovery As someone with a personal connection to the field of eating disorders, be it through your own experience or that of a loved one, you are in a unique position to offer hope, understanding and vital information to others. At the same time, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of your message on the public, as well the effects of self-disclosure on your personal well-being. Research and anecdotal evidence show that even with the best intentions, personal testimonies can provide dangerous ideas that may contribute to disordered-eating behaviors. Furthermore, an individual sharing their story may be left feeling exposed, vulnerable to judgment, and/or emotionally overwhelmed. Below are strategies to help you present your story in a useful way while protecting your personal well-being. An effective recovery story helps lead others toward health, hope and understanding. How to Protect Your Personal Well-Being Be committed to your own recovery . Before becoming an advocate for eating disorders awareness, be sure you are first and foremost an advocate for you! Sharing your story is a big responsibility. Understand that it may feel like a lot of pressure and will likely bring up a lot of emotions. It is imperative to stay focused on your own recovery before taking steps to help others. If you are currently working with a professional, or have worked with one in the past, please ask for their feedback regarding your decision to share your story. Recognize your limits. While you are an expert of your own experience, remember that this experience is unique to you. It is important to not answer questions that you don’t know the answers to or provide advice that suggests “this is what works for everyone.” Remember, since you are not an expert or professional in the field, you are not responsible for being someone’s therapist or for her or his recovery. You can, however, help to put individuals in contact with professionals specializing in eating disorders. You might even think about inviting a professional to participate in or be available for questions during your presentation if one is not already scheduled to be here. Know what you are and are not willing to share . Just because you’ve taken this step to share your story does not mean you have to disclose every aspect of your experience. Keep a commitment to yourself not to disclose more than you are comfortable with. Be armed with phrases such as “That is more than I am willing to share” or “I believe you have enough understanding without talking about.” This will help protect you should questions arise that you are not comfortable answering. Guidelines for Sharing Stories of Recovery ▪ Page 1 ©2012 National Eating Disorders Association. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or other use of this outline without the express written consent of the National Eating Disorders Association is prohibited. 35