
Living Overseas with a Teenager Who Has an ED
Raising a teen abroad comes with unique challenges. Expat teenagers often experience culture shock, loneliness, and pressure to fit into unfamiliar environments. In this context, disordered eating can become a way to manage emotional overwhelm or regain a sense of control.
Look for these red flags:
· Avoiding local foods
· Isolating during meals or appearing anxious around food
· Obsessing over weight due to differing beauty standards
Eating disorders in expat teens are often shaped by the stress of transition and cultural identity. Choosing cultural appropriate therapyis essential in these cases.
Professionals like Joana Mendes, a Clinical Psychologist in Luxembourg $80 per session, offer online therapy designed specifically for expat families. Expat Therapy Hub connects families with specialists who understand these complexities and offer affordable accessible online therapy worldwide. Global organizations like FEAST and Beat also offer ongoing support.