For the first time since entering treatment last fall, Demi Lovato is opening up about the problems that led her to seek treatment in the first place. The Disney starlet, whose rep had previously sinabi she was getting help for “emotional and physical issues,” revealed in the May issue of Seventeen that she had been struggling with cutting, an eating disorder and depression for years.

Lashing out was my cry for help,” the 18-year-old told Seventeen. “Wow, who was I to do that? I’m very ashamed. I wasn’t in the right state of mind at all.” Lovato “basically had a nervous breakdown,”...

I’ve been thinking lately that I am lucky to have a great support group around me. As I go through struggles, I rely on my mga kaibigan and family to help me stay strong. I believe that surrounding myself with positive people who care about me is the key to staying healthy and happy. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family and amazing mga kaibigan that help me through the difficult times and laugh with me in the good times. After I came out of treatment I realized how important it is to be around people that I admire and respect instead of people who are a negative influence.

I have some amazing...