On June 3, Demi Lovato led an uplifting discussion on resilience and mental health at The Center For Youth Mental Health’s annual dinner event. Co-hosted by Anna Wintour, Tory Burch, Dr. Steven J. Corwin, and Dr. Zandy Forbes, this year’s benefit celebrated the center and its decade-long efforts to alleviate mental health crises amongst young adults, through ongoing research and treatment options. As an audience of fashion designers, medical professionals, and budding stars gathered at the Crosby Hotel in SoHo, Lovato reflected on their arduous journey through recovery and the importance of finding guidance and community along the way.

“I think [back] to myself as a 13 year old struggling and not knowing why,” Lovato said, in conversation with Dr. Charlie Shaffer. Throughout their teens, Lovato witnessed the glamorization of the troubled musician trope and recalls feeling pressured to fit into this mold, all while dealing with bullying and a subsequent eating disorder. Seeking help has made Lovato realize that mental wellness does not need to define their entire identity. “It’s just a part of what makes me, me, meaning my struggles have shaped me into the pottery that you see today,” the singer said.

From feeling “relief” upon receiving a bipolar diagnosis to navigating sobriety and several in-patient treatment stays since they were 18, the former child star has long been transparent about the many ups and downs of their mental health journey. Throughout the discussion with Shaffer, Lovato described the sense of defeat felt every time they walked into a treatment center. Over time, however, Demi Lovato began seeing glimmers of hope, as they built relationships with multiple program teams and found the right medication. Tuning into the small joys of healing taught them how “the opposite of addiction is connection.”

Now a self-proclaimed open book, Lovato practices honesty for themselves and for the “13 year old in the room struggling with an eating disorder or a substance abuse problem.” They continued, “I learned the foundation to being of service is sharing your experience, strength, and hope.”

As fans await Lovato’s directorial debut with their Child Star documentary set to release on Hulu later this year, the musician remains vocal on the realities – and lasting effects – of child stardom. “I think of my younger self when I’m thinking about what gives me purpose,” Lovato told Shaffer. “To be totally truthful, it holds me accountable and [drives me] to wake up every single day, be grateful, and work on myself.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the annual benefit, visit Vogue’s photo gallery.