Im Glad My Mom Died Sparknotes

Only one in ten sufferers from eating disorders will seek and receive treatment. In Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died she struggled with eating disorders throughout most of her life. She was set to look a certain way - thin and childish- it caused unhealthy habits, but even after going through those hardships McCurdy was able to start recovering and getting help. It wasn’t all easy and could be grueling at times, but she was motivated to better herself. McCurdy demonstrates how eating disorders can affect a person’s life, leaving a traumatic aftermath. McCurdy’s eating disorders were influenced by her mother, peers, and the industry. She used these experiences to grow as a person and recognize unhealthy relationships in her life

While there were people that truly wanted to help her like her friends Miranda and Colton for example, McCurdy was stuck on pleasing her mom and following her instructions. She was forced to maintain a certain weight to please producers and directors and was encouraged to start drinking by the director causing her to incorporate alcohol abuse into her diet as well as she grew up. Mccurdy was constantly failed by adults, but she was encouraged to go get help from her boyfriend at the time and while the therapist that she found wasn’t the right match for her McCurdy felt a sense of motivation from her to go and find help on her own accord. That is when she meets Jeff, her therapist that truly helped her recover which really took a lot of strength as only “60% of eating disorder sufferers make a full recovery” (Mirror- Mirror statistics). While it wasn’t easy McCurdy persevered, she was able to be a part of that 60%. She was constantly being encouraged by her friends Miranda and Colton even if they weren't as close as before they truly wanted the best for her. but even with all the therapy sessions McCurdy will never be able to truly heal from those experiences she will always hold that scar as “eating disorders require ongoing care” (Mirror-Mirror statistics). She will always be affected by the long-term effects

Throughout her career McCurdy dealt with two eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia. Her anorexia was encouraged by her mom, pressuring her into a calorie restrictive diet. While her bulimia was a result of the guilt she felt from eating and the want to fit the childlike and thin mold.) In a study about anorexia and bulimia, written by Ana Gotter she states “ Anorexia often stems from a distorted body image, which may result from emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety. Some people may view extreme dieting or weight loss as a way to regain control in their lives” (Gotter). In McCurdy’s life she was never in control of anything, her roles were chosen for her, where she auditioned and where she went wasn’t her decision, even her acting career wasn’t her choice. Her eating disorders were used as an escape from the control everyone had on her, she was able to make decisions for herself for once. McCurdy’s eating disorders were also influenced by the media and acting industry. Gotter emphasizes this saying “The current Western ideal of body image, self-worth, and success equated with thinness can perpetuate the desire to achieve this body type. This may be emphasized further by pressure from the media…” (Gotter). McCurdy’s eating disorders were also encouraged by the media and industry as