There were some early warning signs that may have led to Mary's eating disorder. Her mother was always looking into a mirror and telling herself how horrible she looked. She was telling herself that she could never get skinny enough. Her family and friends were all telling her how perfect she looked. Her family strived to be perfect, it's like they had an image to maintain. Mary was suffering from bulimia. The difference between anorexia and bulimia is that anorexia is basically starving yourself to keep skinny. You look in the mirror and always think your fat. Bulimia is eating what you want whenever, and then just getting rid of it after you eat it. Mary's friend in college probably suffered from bulimia for some of the exact same reason's Mary did.
If I had a friend that I thought was in trouble I really don't what I would do. I would probably consult with another one my friends to see what they thought about the situation. If we both felt the same way, we could then consult with the counselor or gym teacher. If I had a child with an eating disorder I would just ask why. I probably wouldn't be able to totally understand the problem either, but I would definitely try and get them professional help.
I believe Mary's mother contributed to her disease, because even at a young age, all Mary saw was her mother talking about how pretty she wasn't and how thin she was never going to get again. As parents, your children are little molds of you. What you teach them, they will take out into the world. What you say, do etc. they will remember. The whole thought of throwing up in jars just grossed me out completely. .
