demieatingdisorder.jpgDemi Lovato is opening up about the eating disorder that eventually led her to seek treatment late last year.

As a contributing editor to Seventeen magazine, Demi is trying to use her experience, one she's called "the darkest time in my life" to encourage other young girls to get help.

“If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends," Lovato, who landed in rehab for "physical and emotional issues" advises. "Don’t put yourself in danger. It’s very crucial that you get your feelings out - but don’t ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred. I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she’s worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything.”

Demi goes on to say that despite successfully completing her treatment in January, she still struggles with her eating disorder. “Yes, there have been times when I definitely have been tempted to get rid of my dinner. But I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it’s a life-long disease. I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.”

Lovato checked herself into rehab in November after her out-of-control behavior while on tour with the Jonas Brothers led to an altercation with a back-up dancer.

(Click here to see pix of Demi visiting an outpatient eating disorder clinic.)