Mental health has always been a taboo subject in the Middle East mostly because if you suffer from any mental illness you are automatically considered an unfit member of society and in some extreme cases shunned by those around you. That is why so many young people would rather endure their mental problems in silence instead of getting the help they need. Many of today’s youngsters suffer from eating disorders, which is considered a mental illness.

So what is an eating disorder? An eating disorder is a condition related to tenacious eating habits that negatively impacts your health and if left untreated could create long-term effects which are especially dangerous in the Middle East when taking into account the disregard for mental health and misinformation among the youth.

One common misconception is that only a thin or underweight person can suffer from an eating disorder but the truth goes much deeper. Studies show that the most common eating disorder is binge eating disorder- B.E.D, in which the patient eats large amounts of food in a short period of time and feels immense shame and guilt afterward. It is sometimes unrecognizable which explains why many people are left undiagnosed and untreated.

It is not to be mistaken with bulimia nervosa in which the patient binge eats usually in secret and then purges to get rid of the extra calories. The damage from this eating disorder can be long-lasting even after recovery the body can still suffer from long-term effects such as heart damage, tooth decay, and other serious issues.

Another common eating disorder is anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by an extremely low intake of calories. Anorexia has its own share of side effects, hair loss and constipation being the least extreme.

Nonetheless, all eating disorders have one thing in common, they are generated from our minds. It's generally fed to young people that they need to change their appearance to fit certain beauty standards which are impossible to achieve most of the time.

However, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Fortunately, all eating disorders are treatable and there are many helpful methods to help overcome them. If you or someone you know might be suffering from an eating disorder it is important to understand the warning signs of an eating disorder and reach out for help.

By: Nora Idris