Demetria Devonne “Demi” Lovato (born August 20, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. She was first seen as a role model for young women because of her passion for life and her determination to reach the top. But I find her a role model for different reasons.
Demi began her acting career at the age of seven on the children's television series Barney and Friends as Angela, appearing in seasons seven and eight alongside long time friend Selena Gomez. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Demi revealed going through painful experiences with bullying in the seventh grade. According to Demi, the bullying was so bad that one day, in a fit of frustration and distress, she requested her mom give her a home-schooled education. Demi earned a high school diploma through homeschooling in April 2009. Demi also stated in an interview with 20/20 in 2011 that she had had a "really unhealthy relationship with food" since age 8 due to bullying experienced as a child, and self-mutilated her wrists to cope with her emotions and depression since age 11. Demi later became a spokesperson for anti-bullying organization PACER and appeared on America's Next Top Model and CNN to speak out against bullying.
Demi began dating Joe Jonas, whom she first met while filming the first Camp Rockfilm. They split up in May. She later joined the Jonas Brothers Live in Concerttour as a special guest. Demi dropped out of the tour on October 30, 2010 in order to enter a treatment facility to treat physical and emotional issues. In particular, many media sources immediately reported that Demi had decided to enter treatment right after punching a Jonas Brothers back-up dancer, Alex Welch, on a flight out of Bogota, Colombia. On January 28, 2011, it was reported that Demi had completed her inpatient treatment. A lot of parents began to wonder if Demi Lovato was really a good influence for their daughters. They held her up to a standard that they believed she no longer fit.
Demi granted her first post-rehab interview to ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, which aired on Good Morning America and 20/20 on April 22, 2011. During the interview, Demi confirmed reports that her treatment was for bulimia and self-injury, and had taken place at the Timberline Knolls facility in Illinois after the aforementioned confrontation between her a Welch led to an intervention by her family and management team. Her condition came to a head during the tour because Demi "was performing concerts on an empty stomach...I was losing my voice from purging. I was self-medicating. I was not taking medication for depression, and I leterally was so emotionally whacked out that I took it out on someone that meant a lot to me." Demi exressed regret at her actions towards Welch, stating "I take 100 percent, full responsibiliy..." In another interview, Demi added that she had "basically had a nervous breakdown", and was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder during her treatment.
Demi tattooed the words "Stay String" on her wrists after seeking help in treatment for eating disorders and self-injury. It not only covers up the visible scars from her past, but reminds her every day, no matter what it is she is doing, of what she has been through and overcome, to stay strong.
Demi will not return to Sonny with a Chance and will instead focus on her music career, stating that "it's kind of sad for me that a chapter of my life has ended but there couldn't be a better time for me to move on...I don't think going back to Sonny would be healthy for my recovery...Being in front of a camera would make me nervous." To raise awareness about personal issues similar to her own, Demi became a Contributing Editor to Seventeen magazine. She will discuss her personal issues as a part of a larger campaign called "Love is Louder than the Pressure to Be Perfect", directed towards teen girls. She recently posted this playlist, which she says is her 'stay strong' music.
"Mucis has always been a huge part of my life and has helped my through some tough times. Certain songs always give me confidence, put me in a good mood, and inspire me. Here's a list of some of my favourites- the music that helps me keep feeling positive and reminds me to stay strong" wrong Demi.
Here is the list:
"We All Need Saving" by Jon McLaughlin
“I listen to this song when I need reassurance that I'm not the only one on the planet who struggles or has issues. It's really true. We ALL need saving sometimes.”
"Not Afraid" by Eminem
“This song is really inspiring to me because Eminem's album was based on his recovery. This song made me feel confident in conquering my diseases.”
“Word of God Speak” by MercyMe
“My favorite christian song! Lifts me up every time I hear it and my faith instantly renewed.”
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
“This song is a classic that always keeps me looking ahead knowing everything will be ok.”
“Strong Enough” by Stacie Orrico
“I listen to this song almost every day. This song makes me feel like I have a purpose in life because God made me strong enough.”
“Surrender” by BarlowGirl
“In order to recover from any addiction, you have to surrender and recognize what you need to overcome. This was a song I had on repeat in treatment knowing that if I surrender, beating this is possible.”
“Beautiful” by Bethany Dillion
“The lyrics to this song remind me that I AM beautiful, even when I'm feeling insecure.”
There are still some people out there who say she is no longer a ‘role model’ for their kids. That’s their opinion. But I think she is most definitely my role model. She is so strong. She has been through so much, and will continue to throughout her life. She battles depression, but has found her way to cope with it. I don’t think she is perfect, but then what role model should be? Demi Lovato is my role model and my choice for Woman of the Month. Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your opinions!
Stay Strong,
Kristen
  
 
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