Happy (almost) Birthday, Demi Lovato! Her journey from troubled teen to inspirational young adult

This weekend will be Demi Lovatos last weekend spent as a teenager. The singer, actress and X Factor judge will be celebrating her 20th birthday on Monday, August 20.

While shell be celebrating entering a new phase in her life, the Give Your Heart a Break singer has a lot more to celebrate than just turning the big 2-0, including celebrating the struggles she has overcome as a teen.

Since a young age, Demi Lovato has been in the spotlight. She began her career on Barney. Her star shined brighter, though, when she starred in Disney Channels original movie Camp Rock, which led to a sequel and her own TV show, Sonny with a Chance. At that time, though, not too many people knew about her inner struggles. She struggled with cutting, drug use, and an eating disorder. When she entered a rehab facility in late 2010, many were scratching their heads asking why?

She spent several months in treatment. With the love and support from family, true friends and fans, who she dedicated two tattoos, Demi was able to get through it. She even had enough courage to talk about her troubles.

She said being bullied was when her internal struggles spiraled out of control. She began making herself sick and turning to cutting to match the way I felt inside. She also admitted that being labeled a role model was hard for her at the time.

She admitted, Everyone kind of just made me a role model and I hated that. I was partying, I was self-medicating. I was like, why would you want your kids to be like me? I felt like I was living a lie I decided to take it out on myself. I harmed myself. It was my way of taking my own shame and my own guilt out on myself."

Since treatment, she has since risen above her issues, she explained, however, that it is still a daily struggle.

"I've spent t! he past two years getting over an eating disorder and issues like self-harming and bipolar disorder. Unlike a person who doesn't have these problems, I have to work on this stuff every day. I'm reminded of that whenever I eat or feel down, she told the August issue of SELF magazine.

No, she has not been perfect and still struggles daily, but she looks at her life differently now. She sees the positive in being a role model.

"I dont think it does anybody any good to just hide something or cover it up or lie, Demi had said. The reason why I did it is because thats what being a role model is about. Its not about being perfect. Its about speaking about your issues and inspiring others to get help.

Now, being accepting of her role as a celebrity, she is much happier with herself as well.

You can choose to work toward happiness or not. I used to expect it to come to me, but it takes more than seeing a therapist once a week. I make time for myself and meditate. And I haven't used my cell in three months! she said, adding she is much more comfortable and happy in her own skin. "I used to feel most beautiful on the red carpet, but now I'm most confident on the beach, with no makeup and no worries about my hair."

It may be hard at times, but she keeps her positivity by surrounding herself with family, fans, and good friends.

"I surround myself with people who make positive decisions and who have more interests than wanting to go to clubs and get wasted. My friends and I look out for each other.

She definitely has a lot to celebrate this year. Happy Birthday, Demi Lovato!

Image: INF Daily