I can’t help but feel some degree of empathy for Demi Lovato. Of course, she’s been the subject of recent blind items concerning an alleged repeat visit to rehab, but I agree with CB’s perspective of not putting too much faith into blind items. The gist of the latest round of rumors was that Demi’s recent spa trip (during which she missed the Grammys) was actually a cover for some hardcore inpatient therapy, but MTV spoke with Demi’s team, who asserts the following: (1) She wasn’t even scheduled to appear at the Grammys; (2) She was merely taking advantage of a prescheduled week off from work; and (3) She definitely wasn’t back in rehab.
In an ongoing struggle, Demi continues her progress after a 2010 rehab visit for for emotional issues and an eating disorder, and she has readily admitted that she’ll fight those urges for the rest of her life. In the meantime, she hasn’t been afraid to speak out against critics who say that she’s been gaining weight. Demi also took on the Disney Channel over an insensitive eating disorder joke that appeared on “Shake It Up.” Now Demi’s starring in her own MTV special to spread her message to young girls:
Her past troubles and stint in rehab have been well documented but looking at Demi Lovato today she appears happy and healthy with her career back on track. [T]he 19-year-old singer has revealed she is still facing a daily battle with her demons opening up in her revealing documentary “Stay Strong” – which aired on MTV tonight.
During the one-hour special Demi admitted: “I cannot tell you that I haven’t thrown up since treatment – I cannot tell you that I have not cut myself since treatment. This has been a daily battle. When I was four years old and I remember looking in the mirror and thinking I was fat I was constantly feeling guilty about my weight. I was overeating to compensate for not feeling worthy enough and then not knowing what to do. Even when I did lose 20lbs when I turned 12 because I stopped eating, it’s never enough. It was an obsession of the mind.”
Demi, who says she was able to hide her problems well, threw herself into her work with a tour followed by an album followed by a TV show – she never took a break. Speaking of her schedule she said: “I loved it but it was kinda when I got a little crazy and maybe, possibly, out of control. It literally ended up driving me insane. ‘I was not eating and purging and self-harming.”
It was at this point during a tour in 2010 that her parents stepped in and sat her down telling her they had a plane waiting for her to take her to treatment. Her reaction was one that many in her position would take she explained: “I was so mad at my parents I was like ‘I hate you guys.'”
Despite her reluctance, Demi checked in to Timberline Knolls centre in Illinois in October 2010 where she spent the next months working on herself – missing Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the process.
While she missed family and friends and this point the documentary captured an insight of her ongoing battle – when she visited Texas for Thanksgiving. The copious amounts of food was clearly overwhelming for the young starlet but she tackled the day with confidence – and the help of her sponsor who was on the phone throughout the day.
Demi was seen eating the holiday food sharing the day with her close family and friends she explained: “Last year I didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving with my family. This year I am not taking any holiday for granted.”
But while the holiday itself was successful – she revealed she had kept all her food down – the consequences of consuming such a large amount of food for her brought several days of anxiety.
Demi spoke at her anxieties about putting on weight and said: “Last night was pretty bad, right before I went on stage I was crying in my dressing room. I know it’s silly to the average person. It really messed with my head.”
While the young star was open about her problems and her issues she displayed a strong sense of self – a confidence that she was working hard to keep on track and she wasn’t going to let up on her determination.
She told the group: “It’s not an easy road — it gets easier. I wasn’t given this voice just to sing I think it was given to me for a bigger purpose. Recovery doesn’t have a day off … I don’t think there is a finish line I just think you keep going.’
[From Daily Mail]
Yes, it sounds like Demi has been beating the same drum for quite some time to promote her latest album, Skyscraper. However, I honestly have faith in this girl and hope that I don’t have to eat my words by saying that she’s one of the good ones. Early on, Demi realized that she had a problem, and she didn’t go into denial and/or let it fester in manner of a Lohan. Demi has a lot of issues — including abandonment, eating disorders, and self-harm — but she’s on track, realizes that she’s a role model for young girls, and would do anything to inspire them not to fall into the same traps as her own. Naturally I’m feeling a little bit of fatique from witnessing Demi discussing the same topics, but she has a valid point, and her heart is in the right place. If she can save just a few girls with tales of her experiences, then it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Photos courtesy of WENN
jesus christ. KEEP THESE THINGS PERSONAL!!! The more she talks about it in public the bigger the fall if she relapses! I get making it aware to teens who are having issues but shut up about it after a while!!
God!!! U suck!!! She’s in a platform where she can help others. I admire her courage and conviction. She’s human and if she fails again, she’ll rise up again!
You mean “keep it personal” like Lindsey Lohan? Who lies daily to “keep it personal”?
I think that Demi shows great courage and dedication to her young fans who now have someone they can look to for inspiration if struggling with their own mental health issues.
I think Demi is doing a wonderful service for other young women. She’s clearly working on her demons and is working through her need to be perfect. Many, many young women suffer with the same kind of feelings and for Demi to put a voice to them (very articulately BTW) and to publicly get help for them is terrific. I don’t know her music at all, but I’m in her corner!
I do not agree. Keeping things “personal” means keeping them hidden. You can’t get support if you don’t ask for it and your experiences can’t help anyone else if you don’t speak up about them. Now if you don’t mind, I have to go squish that guy Wilmer with my boot heel.
that was uncalled for. If anything she is brave for putting it out there and letting your girls know they are not alone and encouraging them to speak up and ask for help with out being embarrassed. Plus she is in the spot light, it wouldnt stay hidden any ways, at least this way she can control the story.
How many young girls have fallen victim to the same things Demi has? Demi is a very popular person amongst the tween and teen crowd. I think she is being quite courageous by openly discussing these topics. If one teen girl who suffers from an eating disorder and/or cutting gets help after watching this documentary the it will all be worth it. It took guts for Demi to be as open as she is but she is doing it to help save the lives of other young girls.
i think she’s being honest. when i was 19 i went to treatment for eating disorders. it’s a process. she has the burden and blessing of being in the spotlight she has to use that as a platform for education. she’s being frank. maybe someone within the reach of her words who needs help will seek it, or a parent may learn how to recognize if his/her child needs help.
She’s very talented and sweet and young has a lot of fans who love her and are wishing her well.
I havent ever seen her in anything but i think she is so sweet and so beautiful. I hope everything works out for her.
You should watch that Disney movie she did with Selena Gomez. Princess Protection Agency or something?
Talk about a movie for young women with a message; she is adorable and I am a fan for life.
I think she’s very beautiful. I hope she’ll be able to come to a good place where her demons don’t bother her very much.
I’m not a fan, but I wish her well. She, at least in my opinion, hasn’t handled everything the best. She should have been more upfront from the start, and SOMEONE should have stopped her from going back to Wilmer so many times. Her team seem to be a bunch of enablers, as most teams are for celebrities. I do give some credit to the blind items.
Her PR person saying that the rehab stories were a ‘crock of shit’ didn’t come off as very professional to me.
I think that she is still using. And I don’t think it’s right that she keeps spouting off the ‘sober is sexy’ quotes if she IS in fact still using. I think that she’s got her heart in the right place in that she’s trying to get her fans to believe in sobriety, but if she’s not really committing to it herself, then what kind of message is that?
I HOPE that I am wrong, and that this girl really is getting her life back on track, but I do doubt it a bit. I have dealt with depression and anxiety, and while most days are good, I still have down days. It’s a difficult thing to go through, and I just hope that someone in her life will keep an eye on her, and not just allow her to do whatever self destructive things she wants.
This ^^
Just quickly noting that her new album isn’t called “Skyscraper”, it’s called “Unbroken”.
I was just about to do the same. She has a song called skyscraper, but the album is called unbroken.
she looks so much better with light makeup in shaded of link but for some reason constantly wears dark ugly reds
I have a soft spot for Demi. She’s honest and very outspoken.
I think Demi is a lot like Lohan:
1. Both have awful Momagers who pimped them out and gave them little education or disipline.
2. Both have little sisters who idolize them.
3. Both have absent problem fathers.
4. Both dated Fez at the barely legal mark.
5. Both are in denial
I really don’t think Demi is “one of the good ones” like you said, and if she’s speaking up about the ED stuff it’s to whitewash her real problems of substance abuse.
Blinds are never accurate, but I do believe where there’s smoke there’s fire and Demi’s drug use has been well documented by many sources. Plus she beat the shit out of that back up dancer. Real good that one.
Also, this. Sorry for just cosigning comments this morning. I’m feeling lazy today. Lol
I think you’re right. I don’t doubt that she has struggled with an ED, but I really think she also substance abuse issues. And your comparison is scary and right on the money. Wilmer Valderrama is a total creep.
Right before she went to rehab, there were a lot of BIs and “insiders” ratting her out to those tabs, begging her to get help. One of those people kept threatening her if she didn’t get help, she would release videos of her doing coke. Then there was a link to an untitled YouTube video that was very short, had a couple of young girls and guys plowing through a pile of coke. Their faces were blurred, and their voices muted a little, but you could totally tell it was Demi’s husky voice/unusual laugh. I tried to go back and watch it again, the next day, and it was gone. A week later she was in rehab.
Reading that back, it sounded a little nasty, but I do really hope she gets well, she’s a good singer, a decent actress, and I wish her well.
Great link. She’s not the first to come out and say Demi is a bully and not a nice person.
For anyone who hasn’t seen this, it’s a great read: http://www.reddit.com/r/iama/comments/mbdxm/iaaa_former_child_actor_who_ran_in_some_of_the/?limit=500
I know I’ve already posted this, but it’s my recent fave and I tots believe her.
Also, what really intrigued me about your link was how everyone came to Demi’s defense saying “but it’s not true, Demi was the one bullied!”.
Then 1 poster wrote this: “I believe you. Why? Because I went to the same elementary, middle, and high school as you did although a year younger… Our whole town knows these stories and there are more than just this out there, lots more…. We all know the stories, all know someone who was bullied by her and we all hate her for it…and none of us would ever disbelieve when we’ve found so many people supporting this story.”
Said poster used her real name.
I think Demi is a lot like Lohan:
1. Both have awful Momagers who pimped them out and gave them little education or disipline.
2. Both have little sisters who idolize them.
3. Both have absent problem fathers.
4. Both dated Fez at the barely legal mark.
5. Both are in denial
First off I want to correct your post. Not because your inaccurate or anything like that…well yeah you are inaccurate.
1. Last I checked Demi’s mom stayed out of the picture for her daughters career. Unlike LILO’s mom who interjected herself in every interview she could
2. Demi has a father figure. It may not be a blood father but a father figure none the less.
3. Lilo dated wilmer when she was much older that Demi so yeah. Your an idiot for being kinda inaccurate. 21 is way past the barely legal age oh inept one.
But I like how you say her drug problems were well documented by numerous sources when in fact said sources are spotty at best. Taking blind items for a credible source is the same as believing in 9/11 truth fanatics.
And you are aware that the dancer she struck was a bully herself right? Good people don’t sue rehab patients and good people don’t sue for plastic surgery when their injuries are minor at best. So good job supporting thieves babe. Real good one.
@Asli I would have sympathized with her as well. That is if she didn’t sound like she was lying through her teeth. I’ve read and written enough fiction to know what sounds like BS and what doesn’t. That is what we call a fictionalized BS.
@normades Pro tip for you darling. Reddit is NOT the best source for “reliable information” seeing as how that site is known for approving any post for hits purposes. Not to mention that there is a ton of inconsistencies in that person’s statement. First he says he’s not sure about her drug use then he says it was the worst kept secret? Any fool with common sense would see that as a CONTRADICTION.
@Asli So let me get this straight. Just because someone USED their real name, that means that they are NOT trolling? Because its just SO uncommon that people LIE about celebrities to get 15 minutes of fame right? Also people were mean to Kristin Turley because she doesn’t have any credible evidence to claim otherwise. They weren’t bullying her claims. They were asking for PROOF. And One persons WORD is not proof. I dunno about you but I dont live my life on the internet. I require actual PROOF of this account. And spotty sources with questionable claims is not PROOF. Proof is physical evidence and people SHOWING evidence. What you have shown me is called fanfiction. Bad one at that.
@normades So your argument is that, someone with a name is automatically telling the truth? Because this person used her REAL name that means that she isn’t lying? Thats the worst argument I have heard in a long while. Also did you actually bother to READ this girl’s post? She said that she never met Demi Lovato or the girl who wrote this open letter. Yet she went to the same school district that she did and was a YEAR behind her? So she went to school with someone throughout their entire life yet never met her at all? Again let me reiterate this for you one more time. A girl, who went to the same school district as the person who wrote this letter was a YEAR behind this yet never met the person? That doesn’t strike you as a bit…off? Common sense much guys?
My fiance’s daughter loved her show. At the time I thought she was kind of annoying, but after hearing her story I have so much more respect for her. I know how hard it is to keep going after having these issues, and I wish her only the best in her continued struggles.
Whether I think she’s sober or not, I’m still glad whenever a public figure speaks out about mental health problems. Especially someone little girls look up to. Having mental problems is hell and most people who don’t have them don’t know much about them and don’t understand. Raising awareness is a good thing.
Yup, +1 for Demi
I can understand that. A couple of years ago I went through inpatient treatment for depression and self-harm. I definitely had a few minor relapses afterwards – oftentimes, it’s part of the process. But you go to therapy, you use your ‘skills’, and you work through it. It’s a constant battle, but it definitely gets easier over time – I never feel the urge to self-harm now. It sounds like Demi is working through it, so kudos to her. I think it’s brave of her to speak out about her struggles in the hope to reach out to others. She’s talented and will have a great career ahead of her if she stays healthy!
I was involved with a youth group that regularly has speakers on different addictive substances, and this Dr. said that cutting was more addictive for young people, (both sexes) than heroin. That even when they have the ability to stay off the drugs, it takes far more effort and therapy to undo the self loathing that is part of cutting. So sad that this is even “a thing”.
She sounds like maybe she has borderline personality disorder. Cutting is a symptom. Add that to the eating problems and other issues and it points in that direction. If this is the case then she has a long road ahead of her and needs to focus on healing and life skills. Borderline is very serious and very difficult to manage.
Good luck to her.
I don’t think she is fat. Its a wonderful curvy figure that a lot of men desire. I’m glad she’s not taking crap from people about it but obviously inside it still bothers her. I hope she overcomes her problems.
Oh Demi, do shut up. Go seek treatment in the real (very underfunded and over-capacity) psychiatric system, meet people with serious mental health problems who have to wait months and months just to get minimal treatment and quit making this your go-to interview story. I get it, you’re a special snowflake with issues.
I just don’t buy that she’s this very “troubled girl” one bit, especially since she’s been going on about the same thing for over a YEAR now. She comes across as arrogant. I do buy that she’s most likely a very manipulative young woman, did a bunch of drugs (hence the “treatment”) and wouldn’t be surprised for a minute if she was a complete bully back in the day.
Since it’s always nice to say something positive, I do like her pink dress.
Yeah, even if she’s being asked about this by reporters, she can always refuse to discuss it. You have to make a choice about what you talk about it. Going over and over something like this isn’t healthy for anyone.
So wait. She can’t talk about her own issues (especially since this documentary was made the same YEAR she came out. It really helps to actually KNOW what you are talking about) yet you guys can? Please spare me these made up schematics about who can talk about what. Thats just being beyond pathetic on your end.
I’ve been reading your posts for sometime now and I never understand your mindset. First off if you hate this celebrity so much then why are you commenting about her? I mean for someone who can’t stand a celebrity you talk about her constantly. But enough of that lets get to your post shall we? First off what you are describe is not for people with eating disorders. A “PSYCH WARD” if for people with serious mental issues. Almost to the point of criminal insanity. You say she should meet some people with SERIOUS mental healths. I guess according to you eating disorders with bipolar 2 is not “serious health” right? Im also guessing that you think her celebrity status means that she is immune to health issues? Thats just as amusing to read as your botched attempt to play psychiatrist with her. I assume you got your psychiatric education from a box of lucky charms?
But in response to your second “well versed” part. I have to say of course she has been going on about this over a YEAR now. You’re the ones talking about it OVER A YEAR. Why should she stop talking about it when you guys can’t? You say she’s arrogant and what not? Lol are you serious babe? Look in the mirror and your psyche before making such statements. Nothing says arrogant like assuming you know someones mental state of health even though you have yet to take a peek into her medical files. IF you’re gonna play the pseudo intellectual card in these laughable posts of yours, at least do us the courtesy to do a quick Google search to make it SOUND like you know what you are talking about.
But in the spirit of saying something nice, your post was quite funny. Albeit for the wrong reason 🙂
I have never seen her in anything and she is still young so I know there’s a lot more growing up she has to do. However, I think that allowing her experiences to be documented is very brave. I wish her the best.
I can relate on the “crying” issue over weight gain. I am 125-128 pounds so I know that I am not overweight but for 2 years I ate NOTHING (I have no idea how I did that). I was around 160 and just got so sick of myself so I stopped eating. Got down to 113 and I liked how I looked but obviously, being too skinny, boys aren’t into that and I just hated myself. So I am healthy now but I am still soo hard on myself. Some days I will think I look fat, and other days i’ll be okay. It is something I will battle for the rest of my life and luckily I have a few good girlfriends and an amazing boyfriend who supports me and loves me for ME. I wish her luck…I know it isn’t easy.
I know people get sick of hearing her talk about this but honestly I go through many of things she talks about and at least to me it really is a comfort to hear about what she went through and how she is staying on track. She’s talking about issues that are still not socially acceptable. These are the types of issues that get kids called “crazy” and “weird” I know it isn’t much but it makes me feel a little less isolated to see a beautiful, talented and strong woman admit to suffering from the same conditions. Mental illness makes you feel really lonely and it’s nice to see hope and acceptance wherever you can get it.
Thank you guys for being sensitive – to a point. (Maybe you left out the excerpt where she or her people plugged the album)
I’m a dude, and I’ve never self-harmed. I have had eating issues, and though they were never as extreme and painful as the issues Demi and countless other people have dealt with, it’s gratifying to see this kind of thing getting attention. (Beating the same drum?! What if it’s a worthy-ass drum, y’all?)
My wonderful older sister had intense bulimia during our teenaged years, and it scarred the entire family. I won’t go into depressing details, but it left a mark as much on myself and our parents as it did on my (now doing AMAZINGLY, don’t worry) sister. Self-harm comes in so many forms, subtle and overt, and I think what Demi is doing is more valuable than the schtick Katy Perry and Kesha are peddling – ‘you’re fine, cos you can identify with ME!!!! *butiamNORMALandFINEandyou’reonyourownreally’.
Being told you need to go IP for anything is terrifying.
She looks absolutely GORGEOUS with curves, I hope soon she can see this! She looks beautiful AND healthy, not too heavy, not too light. Just glamorous!
How old is she? She looks 50. Jesus fuck, is she ugly. Disgusting.
Your eyes need to be readjusted then lol