Over a month after completing rehabilitation treatment, Demi Lovato is speaking out for the first time about a period she refers to as “the darkest time of my life.”
“I wanted to send you guys a message because I know you’ve seen me out and about and I wanted to let you know that I am back and home,” the 18-year-old singer/actress said in an online video message posted on Monday. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support you guys have given me along the way… Your support is what got me through this. I couldn’t be more thankful for everything you guys sent me.”
Lovato added that she hopes her actions are a helpful template to others.
“The journey that I’ve been on has been very, very difficult over the past few months. I was dealing with issues that I know, not only girls just my age, but of all ages are dealing with,” Demi continued, not specifying what issues she dealt with. “People watching this video right now are probably dealing with the issues I had to and I hope to one day raise awareness of everything, so that I can help people too, just like you guys helped me thought this rough.
“I can’t tell you how much light you guys brought into my life in probably the darkest time of my life,” Lovato added. “Without you guys, I wouldn’t be here today… I’m excited to get back to work… I love you all and I couldn’t have done this without you.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the former “Camp Rock” star quit the Jonas Brothers tour to enter a treatment facility in late October 2010.
“Demi Lovato left her tour early this weekend in order to seek medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time,” the teen’s rep told Access Hollywood in a statement at the time.
“Demi has decided to take personal responsibility for her actions and seek help. She is doing just that and Demi and her family ask that the media please respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the statement continued.
The rep added that Lovato “regrets not being able to finish her tour, but is looking forward to getting back to work in the near future.”
According to multiple previous reports, prior to entering rehab, Demi was allegedly involved in an altercation with Alex Welch, a dancer on the Demi Lovato/Jonas Brothers tour.
In January, Demi was seen for the first time since leaving rehab. She was photographed smiling while walking through a parking lot in Santa Monica, Calif.
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