To say that Demi Lovato has had a life-changing year would be an understatement. From the highs (winning a People’s Choice award, releasing her hit album Unbroken) to the lows (checking herself into rehab, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder), the chart-topping singer has come out on top. In anticipation of her upcoming MTV documentary Demi Lovato: Stay Strong, which chronicles her time in rehab and ongoing treatment, the star talked to us about what she’s learned and what’s next for her.
What kind of advice do you have for girls going through similar issues?
Get help and be vocal about your problems. Don’t hold anything inside, because that will only stall your recovery. A lot of girls and boys that are dealing with bullying and dealing with issues like I was dealing with are confused and they’re experimenting with different coping skills. It’s really difficult to give advice to people who don’t know what they have yet. I wish that I would have been more vocal about it earlier.
What do you wish you could tell yourself a year ago?
I don’t know exactly what I would tell myself… I would say to be more cautious of the decisions I make in the future. Prevent some of the mistakes happening in my career and my friendships and love life.
What should girls do if their friends are going through tough stuff?
It’s hard because I know people who do have problems, and it’s really hard to confront them. I would try to talk to talk to them about it, and if they want help, they’ll open up. And if they don’t, you can’t really help them and it’s not in your control.
Why did you first decide to open up about your issues?
I wanted to speak out because no one else had. I needed someone else to look up to and there wasn’t really anybody except really, really thin actresses on the cover of magazines.
What’s been the proudest moment of the last year or so?
My proudest moment was when I won favorite pop artists at the People’s Choice Awards. I had a lot of stiff competition. It was crazy to think that I won. It was a really big confidence booster.
What was it like to have the MTV cameras around for so many hard moments?
I got used to it, sometimes I’d forget that they’re there. I just tried to stay as alert as possible.
Girls have a tremendous amount pressure to look and act a certain way. What are constructive ways for dealing with this?
Look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re beautiful no matter what. Tell yourself to stay strong and keep going.
What’s next for you?
Touring! I’m going to be playing a lot of shows this summer and doing a world tour. I’m really excited to see everyone on the road. I have a really great support system around me and they keep a good head on my shoulders and help me. I feel like I’m in secure hands and I just stay focused and work towards my recovery every day. The connection with my fans is so incredible, I can’t even explain it.
Don’t miss Demi Lovato: Stay Strong on Tuesday, March 6, at 10pm ET on MTV.
Source: Teen Vogue