Learn how Demi Lovato trudged through the difficult path to recovery.
Hold yourself accountable
Demi Lovato often “tells on herself” when she feels the need to engage in “destructive” behaviors or actions. She has admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts when she was as young as seven years old. She’s struggled with eating disorders, alcohol abuse, a cocaine addiction and self-harm as a teenager.
“When I was bulimic, I knew it was a problem,” she says. We can learn to hold ourselves accountable for our problems rather than blaming anyone. It’s important to realize that you have a problem and come to terms with it.
Get the help you need
It’s often easy to dismiss yourself thinking, “there is no one out there that can help me.” At the age of 19, when Demi Lovato hit her “rock bottom”, she abruptly left the Jonas Brothers world tour to seek treatment. She surrendered to her eating disorder and exclaimed, “I’m so tired of having this eating issue, it consumes my life.”
Only 4 in 10 people with mental health illnesses get help. Demi was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and receiving her diagnosis allowed her to explain her behavior both to herself and her close family and friends. So, go out there and get the help you need.
Talk to your parents or your friends and tell them how you’re feeling. Demi has molded herself into a successful entertainer after battling through a realm of issues, all because she realized the importance of seeking help. It’s important to note that it is not a sign of weakness to get help, but rather an important step towards recovery. Remember, there is help out there and there is hope for you.
Change your lifestyle
Demi’s current lifestyle doesn’t resemble the lifestyle of an ideal young starlet. While most get dolled up to go to parties, Demi prefers to stay in her sweats at home and watch a movie. Her recovery has been a result of the obvious shift in her lifestyle. She chose a lifestyle for herself that makes her feel that there is stability in life. So, introspect into your everyday life and think about what you need to change. Make those changes and put yourself first. Changing your lifestyle, even the little things like moisturizing your skin before bed or writing in a journal every night, can go a long way and ultimately, change your life.
Take it slow
Sometimes, you need to take your recovery “day by day, hours by hours” just as Demi did. It’s not a fast process and it definitely is not an easy one. There’s a lot of roadblocks on the way to recovery, some bumps, downfalls, and turning points. But, you need to keep trudging through them towards your end goal – being content. So, take the time to exercise and eat mindfully in the midst of your busy schedules. Be your own first priority while remembering to help others.
Demi’s story has helped her connect with people around the world that may be going through the same issues as her. So, don’t be shy about sharing your story with others, if you are comfortable and ready to share. You never know, your story might become their turning point. Today, Demi sparks hope in youth across the world through her music.