Why Demi Lovato Decided to Get Help

Celebrity Body November 2, 2010 AT 9:04AM
Why Demi Lovato Decided to Get Help Credit: Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com

Demi Lovato shocked fans Monday night by announcing that she has dropped out of the Jonas Brothers tour and checked into a treatment center for "emotional and physical issues."

The nature of Lovato's problems weren't disclosed, but numerous websites - including TMZ - state that the singer, 18, recently was in a physical altercation with a female member of her tour and that served a "catalyst" in her decision to seek help.

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Lovato's road to fame hasn't been easy.

In the seventh grade, she was bullied to such a degree that she had to be home-schooled, she told Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. "Sometimes [bullying] doesn't just end in high school," she wrote on her Celebrity MySpace page that year. "Sometimes I get online and read blogs (which I probably shouldn't if I can't handle it) and read the horrible things that people say in comments ... and it can really take a toll on you."

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The same year, Lovato showed red marks on her wrists at Miley Cyrus' 16th birthday bash, fueling rumors that she cuts herself. (At the time, her rep said that tight "gummy bracelets" had left "indentations" on her wrist.)

Citing a person familiar with the situation, the Associated Press reports that the Disney star -- who split from tour partner Joe Jonas earlier this year -- indeed had self-mutilation issues.

She also showed signs of having an eating disorder, reports the AP.

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"She needed help before a smaller problem got worse," an insider tells Us. "She is doing OK."

Adds the source, "She has been forced into showbiz from a young age and that puts tremendous pressure on someone ... everyone is really happy she is getting help."

Tell Us What You Think

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  • August 25, 2011 - 8:18pm Karla Vazquez

    i have same problems.. it ain't easy..

  • November 18, 2010 - 4:51pm Asheika Quashie

    i hope she gets better soon what she did by coming out to the press and letting us know the people that she needs help that shows that she has a very strong heart and i hope she recovers soon

  • November 15, 2010 - 7:05pm Jenn Marie Woelfel

    I hope she gets okay, i've always looked up to her and i don't want to be let down. I understand everyone has problems and people should tell lies about what is going on in her life

  • November 04, 2010 - 9:40pm Elena Dolores Lombardi

    i hope she has progress and gets the help she needs. much

  • November 03, 2010 - 3:40pm Brienne Macaluso Hollis

    I like demi and wish her the best. Get well soon!

  • November 03, 2010 - 1:46pm Toni Evans

    i really hope she is gettin the right help she needs, shes very young and should be happy .... self harm is an addiction what is very hard to cope with and people should show a lot of support to ppl who self harm and people with eating disorders they do not need people shoutingjust need people to care x

  • November 02, 2010 - 9:09pm Angela Brace

    She seems like a very sensitive and passionate young lady. This shows in her work, but fame does take a toll on ones sanity. My four little girls and I love her music and shows/movies! Just laugh away the bad and embrace the good! God bless and feel better soon!- @ Stephanie Garza-What is so easy about being rich and famous?? Everyone watching and judging your every move. Does that sound easy? Granted celebrities choose this life but that doesn't mean it's easy! They are people; moms, daughters, dads,etc.

  • November 02, 2010 - 8:20pm Erin Miller

    at least she is getting help. out of all the disney stars she is actually one of the good ones. i hope she does get better soon and that she can get her issues in check. we all have issues ya know? its better to treat them than for it to get worse and to let it ruin your career.

  • November 02, 2010 - 7:36pm Derek Bignell

    Sometimes in this business talent isn't enough, you have to have thick skin too.

  • November 02, 2010 - 7:08pm Melissa Strickland Miles

    This really breaks my heart. She is beautiful, talented and such a sweet lady. People being so belittling for no reason cuts deep. We need to pick each other up, not beat each other down. This world is hard enough as it is. I'm glad she is getting help and I wish her the best of luck.

  • November 02, 2010 - 6:07pm Sarah Hearn

    I'm glad that she got help now instead of later. @stephanie garza>>>> jealous much? if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything nice at all. You have no idea what it's like to be famous. and going through the things she is won't go away with money and being famous.

  • November 02, 2010 - 5:35pm Terri Danis

    Hope you get better Dremi! You seem to be a sweet girl that needs 'real' people around you more.

  • November 02, 2010 - 4:25pm Paige Shelton

    I like the way it sounds like Demi is handling her issues. Good for her to seek help before her problems got worse. I hope thing improve and get better for her. Love her as a singer and actress.

  • November 02, 2010 - 3:50pm Abigail Morris

    I think it's time for her parents to step in. I think it's time they tell her that celebrity and stardom isn't for everyone. If she stays in this business it won't be healthy for her long term. Her parents need to be parents and tell her enough is enough. Her health and well being come first.

  • November 02, 2010 - 3:48pm Verna Smith

    No one knows the "grown-up" stresses and expectations that are cast upon Child stars. They forfeit their childhoods and never know who accepts them for who they are and not because they are a star. Troubling what they have to go through. Must be difficult. All the best wishes and prayers for this talented young star.

  • November 02, 2010 - 2:27pm Krista Bente Mehok

    wow, what a stunning girl...I hope she finds what she needs

  • November 02, 2010 - 2:23pm Lauren Johnson

    I'm certainly glad she's gettin' da help she needs

  • November 02, 2010 - 2:09pm Donna Archer

    She looks like a little angel...no wonder people are mean to her...she needs to get tough and kick some butt...

  • November 02, 2010 - 1:50pm Ashley Lyle

    Good for her for recognizing that she needed help and taking the necessary action to get it.

  • November 02, 2010 - 1:23pm Amanda Conley

    Celebrities are human too, they have problems just like the rest of us. No amount of money can take that away, in fact having that money often causes MORE problems.

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