Demi Lovato thought about quitting the entertainment business following her stint in rehab.

The 19-year-old former Disney star sought professional help for bulimia and self-harm after punching one of the Jonas Brothers' dancers whilst on tour with the band.

But after completing three months as an inpatient at a facility in Illinois, Demi admits she considered turning her back on the industry for good.

She said: ''I thought: 'I'm exhausted, people don't understand and so many people are being negative towards me'. It's hard.

''There are so many pressures that are put on to you when you're in this industry. But I love doing it, I love singing, I don't want to give that up just because the going gets tough.''

She has since bounced back with new album 'Unbroken' and a new heart Tattoo on her wrist.

Explaining its significance to Metro, she said: ''My fans used to draw [hearts] on their wrists every day that I was in treatment. I thought what better way to say thank you than to get one tattooed on my wrist.

''It was incredible to have that support and I wouldn't be in the position I'm in today without them. I look at my wrists every day and I'm very thankful to my fans.''

Demi is also thankful that her own plight has encouraged other teenagers to seek help for their problems.

She added: ''They've said I'm an inspiration for helping them deal with their issues, whether that's eating disorders or cutting themselves. I didn't expect that to happen. I just wanted to be a singer. It's taken me on a more meaningful Journey. ''