A Dundee teenager who spent years battling an eating disorder is urging members of the Muslim community to be more open about mental health issues.
Student Ameena Deeni hopes to change attitudes after she encountered a lack of support during her own experience with bulimia, a disorder characterised by binge-eating.
Ameena, who was born in Dundee after her family moved to the city from Nigeria in the 1990s, is an ambassador for Beat, the UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders.
The 18-year-old is hoping her work with the organisation can help spread a better understanding of the difficulties facing sufferers.
She said: “Beat were so excited when I got in touch because they really want more diversity. They want more people from different religious faiths and cultures.
“I’m passionate about improving awareness and changing attitudes. I want people in the community to realise that mental health is important.
“I think it’s swept under the carpet in society. I think there should be a single entity which is there to help Muslims with mental health problems.”
Ameena has worked with Change Makers, a youth organisation which supports black and ethnic minorities, during which time she made a video highlighting people’s thoughts in Dundee about mental health.
She would like to see attitudes change so that people don’t feel so helpless when they are struggling with mental health.
She said: “It is going to be hard to change the way people think but I do believe it is achievable.”
“I definitely would say to everyone out there, especially those in the Muslim community, that your mental health does not define who you are or your faith.
“In fact, nobody has the right to assume your faith. Just being there for somebody or being with someone can really help with recovery.
“Even if it’s silent, that support is so helpful.”
To find out more about Beat’s work, visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
