Demi Lovato Admits: ‘Even Before Barney, I Was Suicidal’ At Age Seven

Demi Lovato, Suicidal?

The star got her start on Barney and Friends at the age of 7 — and even at that tender young age she struggled with mental illness. “At the time, I was just so grateful to be on TV, but I was also really struggling. Looking back, there was a connection, probably between any kid who’s ever sang that song to Barney, a little place in a child’s heart, a void, that could be filled. And maybe Barney fills it. Even before Barney, I was suicidal. I was seven. With Barney, I guess subliminally, I did have a relationship with this figure that was saving my life in a way… I’ve talked about being bullied and the years of being a teenager, but I went through things when I was younger that I’ve never talked about that probably caused me to turn out the way I ended up turning out,” she says.

Demi Lovato On Growing Up Too Fast — What Happened?

Demi wasn’t too keen on opening up and sharing the deeper meaning behind the lyrics of her new song, “Warrior.” “My family knows what it’s about. When I’m ready to open up that subject with the outside world, then I’ll be free to talk about it. But right now, it’s kind of one of those things where the lyrics speak for me. It’s all in the song,” she says.

Exposing Her History Of Personal Abuse:

Lovato touches upon her history of bulimia and claims: “I’m not super religious, but I grew up Christian and I believe in God. When I’m in L.A., I don’t talk about it that much because people are very judgmental, but I just feel like God gave me a voice, not just to sing with. He put me through those things, which seemed horrible at the time, but they were so worth it. With the obstacles I’ve overcome, I can help people.”

She’s so inspiring!

Her brave reveal in the August issue of Cosmopolitan shows that she is strong and good-willed — and she has the passion to influence others. Be sure to get the exclusive details in the new issue of the mag when it hits newsstands on July 9.