Singer-actress Demi Lovato has stated that she is lucky to still be alive at age 21. With all the struggles she has faced, Lovato said she did not think that she would make it.
During an interview with American Way, Lovato became emotional when she revealed why she thought she was going to die young. She talked about her struggles with bipolar and eating disorders as well as addiction.
The former Disney star said she became conscious of her body at an early age of three. Both her grandmother and mother suffered from Bulimia, Lovato revealed. She said that it was hard growing up and not being influenced by the condition since she had to live with her folks every day. When she started joining beauty pageants, Lovato said she became conscious of her figure and started binge eating.
Lovato also revealed how she wanted to cut her life short, admitting that she starting having suicidal thoughts at 7 years old. This was around the time she got famous for singing the theme song of the children's film "Barney and Friends."
Lovato's career ascended to a new level after her debut in the Disney Channel film Camp Rock. As she rose to stardom, Lovato said that she slowly fell into the spirals of alcohol and started self-medicating with cocaine while occasionally cutting herself to deal with the pressures she was facing. She admitted that it was not easy being a rising star because she had to face a lot of demands.
In 2010, Lovato had a violent confrontation with a friend after which she was diagnosed with both bulimia and bipolar disorder. Realizing that she was out of control and had the potential to harm other people, she confined herself in a rehab center to get treatment for her condition. This explains the long break she took from the showbiz industry. Lovato has stopped drinking since the year 2012 and is now working on her career again.
Currently, she is 23 years old and is using her fame to advocate for mental health awareness.
