Demi Lovato Still Has "Nightmares" About the Childhood Bullying She Endured

Singer opens up in the latest issue of Fashion magazine

By Peter Gicas Jun 28, 2013 2:13 PMTags
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Demi Lovato is keeping it colorful for the latest issue of Fashion.

Of course, things weren't always so bright and cheery for the 20-year-old singer, who admits the bullying she suffered as a child still affects her.

"I could remember word for word what my bullies said to me," Demi tells the magazine. "Last night I had nightmares about it...just degrading things that hurt me and affected my self-esteem. It affected the way I look at girls my age. I used to fear them."

Meanwhile, the X Factor judge announced on Thursday that she has partnered with CAST Recovery to create the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program in honor of her father, Patrick Lovato, who passed away last week, in part due to untreated mental health and addiction issues. Since Demi herself has battled these issues throughout her life, she certainly understands what's at stake.

The scholarship will cover expenses for someone struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues, including costs for one of CAST Recovery's transitional living homes, as well as the clinical services provided at CAST's outpatient program.

As for how she's dealing with the the death of her 53-year-old dad, Demi told Good Morning America on Thursday she's "handling it OK."

"My father and I didn't have the most ideal relationship, but at the end of the day he's still my dad," she said. "It's difficult. I grew up with him and he's a wonderful person, but I'm handling it OK."

Demi added, "My father dealt with mental illnesses and he wasn't able to function in society and that happens to a lot of people."

On Monday, Demi took to Twitter to express her appreciation for all the kind words she has received in the wake of her father's passing.

"I feel so humbled to have had so much support from my fans, friends, family and complete strangers.." she tweeted. "God bless you all, thank you so much."