Disney starlet Demi Lovato, who recently completed a three-month stint in rehab, still struggles with her eating disorder but refuses to let it derail her progress.
In her first interview as the newest contributing editor of Seventeen, Lovato urges teenage girls not to hurt themselves and to stay positive during bad times because things do get better.
'Don't Ever Harm Yourself'
“If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends," says Demi, 18. "Don’t put yourself in danger. It’s very crucial that you get your feelings out.
"But don’t ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred. I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she’s worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything.”
Lovato shared her thoughts on other issues, in the hopes of encouraging other troubled young women not to harm themselves.
On Whether She Still Feels the Urge to Purge:
“Yes, there have been times when I definitely have been tempted to get rid of my dinner. But I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it’s a life-long disease. I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.”
On How She Keeps From Backsliding:
“I don’t let anyone’s insecurities, emotions, or opinions bother me. I know that if I am happy, that’s all that matters to me. And it’s okay to be selfish like that sometimes, when it comes to your well-being. Do what makes you happy, and don’t care what others think.”
On Life Post-Rehab:
“I don’t really define it by anything. I live my life every day, and if I feel like wearing combat boots one day and shoes the next, I will. I allow myself a lot of freedom and I’m very peaceful now. I have come to realize that just making yourself happy is most important."
Lovato, who reportedly suffered from a bulimia, cutting and other emotional problems, checked into rehab in late October 2010 after she was involved in a fight with a backup dancer Alex Welch, on the Jonas Brothers World Tour.
Demi reportedly dated Joe Jonas for some time, but he moved on to Twilight beauty Ashley Greene before the two broke up recently.
Sources say the fight escalated into a physical altercation while Lovato and Welch were at an airport waiting for a flight.
Bulimia, Cutting & Bullying Led to Rehab
But before that violent confrontation, Lovato was struggling with a longtime eating disorder, emotional scars from being bullied and self-mutilation, which led her to cut her wrists.
"[Demi] was bullied in school," a source said. "She fought through eating disorders and has struggled with cutting. Demi is taking control by getting help."
Lovato, who recently donated $1 million for Japan disaster relief, is happier than ever, thanks to a renewed outlook on life.
"Never be ashamed of what you feel," she says. "You have the right to feel any emotion that you want, and to do what makes you happy. That’s my life motto."
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