Disordered Eating and Growing Up in Kuwait

Contributor: Debra M. Cooper, graduate of Arizona State University, writer for Eating Disorder Hope

There are so many character traits that define being a woman and myriad life events that capture the female experience worldwide; arguably, the greatest of these is the bearing of children and being a mother. Another female commonality is not quite as positive: eating disorders.

Seemingly, whether a female adolescent resides in Queens, New York, or a college student lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, life pressures, such as the need to be perfect, popular, thin, academically or athletically extraordinary, often lead to unhealthy coping skills.

Growing Up in Kuwait

Riham Al-Reshaidis is one of these individuals, her relationship with disordered eating started at age ten and lasted 19 years.

“I had a lot of anxiety as a kid and was very sensitive and a perfectionist; I think it was a combination of those things that led to the anorexia.”

Around the age of 18, her behaviors became very severe and her weight grew dangerously low; at that point she began binging and purging, not unlike so many who practice anorexia for a prolonged period of time.

Unlike in the United States, awareness and knowledge of psychiatric issues is somewhat stunted in the highly Muslim Middle East. “Culturally, you do not talk about metal health issues; it is still very much a taboo topic and very misunderstood.”

Therefore, though Riham desperately required treatment, the best Kuwait could offer was the occasional therapist whose knowledge was insufficient. Worse, the concept of confidentiality is not held as sacrosanct as in the states. “It’s like living in a very small town where everyone knows everyone else. Even today, I will not see a therapist in my country; I do not feel safe because it is not as confidential as I would like it to be.”

Seeking Treatment and Taking Action

In 2012, Riham admitted to Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Illinois and remained for three months.

Not only did she get better, she took action. Returning home four years ago, she went directly to the media; through articles and public speaking, others started to step forward. “I had no idea how serious the problem was until people began contacting me, both males and females, who were dealing with similar issues.”

She didn’t stop there. “I started an awareness campaign using money I made from my art, hoping to help people.” Subsequently, she was the Kuwait representative to the Middle East Eating Disorder Association.

Raising Awareness

“Riham is an extraordinary woman; she is doing incredible work in the Middle East to improve awareness of The huge problem of eating disorders,” said Kim Dennis, MD, Chief Executive Officer/Medical Director Emeritus at Timberline Knolls. “She is a blessing to all those she touches in her recovery. The blend of her passion, her intelligence, her energy and her recovery is an unstoppable force for good in the world.”

Just as eating disorders continue to escalate in the US, undoubtedly, they will do so in the Middle East, which makes a woman such as Riham so priceless. Only by shining the light of awareness and education into the darkness of ignorance and misunderstanding, will people get the respect and help they need to get well throughout the world.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What has been your experience with eating disorders within various cultures? Have you taken steps to raise awareness within your culture?

About the Author: Debra M. Cooper, a graduate of Arizona State University, has worked as a professional writer for 30 years. She is the author of Behind The Broken Image, a novel about families and eating disorders. Today, she writes full-time for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 31, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com