Faith's Fight: From Anorexia to Peer Support Champion
Episode Overview
Faith's journey from anorexia to severe depression and her challenges with various treatments The profound impact of joining a peer support group on Faith's recovery Insights into the stigma and challenges associated with living with mental illness The importance of community and support in the journey to overcoming mental health challenges Faith's transition from a mental health survivor to a peer support worker, making a difference in the lives of others
These people understand me, and I don't have to pretend in front of them. I don't have to be anybody different than who I am. And they don't just see me as my illness. Group therapy, something that I poo-pooed for so long, was what I absolutely needed - that community.
Faith Rockburne's life has been a rollercoaster of mental health battles, starting with anorexia in her teenage years and evolving into severe depression and anxiety as an adult. Her journey to recovery wasn't straightforward. Antidepressants failed her, and even electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) didn't bring the relief she sought. At her lowest, Faith isolated herself completely, losing her job and the will to leave her house. It seemed like group therapy was her last resort. But then, something clicked.
Faith found a medication that worked for her, but more importantly, she discovered the transformative power of a peer support group. Now, Faith isn't just a survivor; she's a beacon of hope for others. Working as a peer support worker at a Toronto hospital, she uses her experiences to guide and uplift those facing similar struggles.
In this episode, Faith opens up about the highs and lows of her mental health journey, the stigma she faced, and the incredible impact of finding a supportive community. Her story is a testament to resilience and the profound difference that understanding and support can make.