Nicole Scherzinger Opens Up About Bulimia Struggles in 'British Cosmopolitan'

Nicole Scherzinger is fashionably chic in denim on the cover of British Cosmopolitan‘s August 2014 issue, out on newsstands Thursday (July 3)!

Here’s what the 36-year-old singer had to share with the mag:

On overcoming shyness: “I get past my shyness by making everything about others and not thinking about myself. That’s what I did on The X Factor – I can be goofy and playful when it’s about the acts. They are like my babies. But when I’m off stage I’m not as big and animated. People know they could have a pint with me, they know I work hard… but for me all my smiles and confidence are a triumph because it came from a broken place.”

On bulimia: “[Opening up about bulimia] was hard for me to speak about. It still is hard, and thinking about it I try not to well up… It is such a horrible paralysing disease and it was such a dark time for me. That’s why I can empathise so much with people who have demons and voices in their heads, who aren’t nice to themselves. It robs you of living your life. But you can recover and you can get rid of it forever. I did it and that’s why it’s so important for me to share my story. I felt so alone… but I made myself so alone. You hide it from the world, you isolate yourself. But you can beat it – do not give up because you’re so special and you’re meant for such great things.”

On her relationship with beau Lewis Hamilton: “Well it’s something crazy romantic. Relationships are hard and having to hold a long-distance relationship is even harder. It’s kudos to us for growing and trying – there’s so much love there. It’s just the distance, it’s not natural for anyone. But I’m good and I’m happy.”

FYI: Nicole is wearing a Strom Brand jacket on the cover.

For more on Nicole, visit Cosmopolitan.co.uk!