Demi
Lovato is sharing a message of hope for those struggling with mental illness.
The
pop superstar told People in a new interview that while her own journey with
bipolar disorder is a “work in progress,” she wants others facing
similar issues to look at her story as inspiration.
“If you know someone or if you’re dealing with it yourself, just know
that it is possible to live well,” Demi told the mag.
“I’m living proof of that.”
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Diagnosed as bipolar in 2011, the “Confident” singer hasn’t been shy about discussing her past history with substance abuse, eating disorders and cutting. And according to People, she hasn’t had to go through any of it alone. Demi credited the help of her treatment team, along with family and friends, for always having her back.
“They’re there for me at any moment of the day and will be there to support me throughout my recovery,” Demi said.
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The 24-year-old went on to stress the importance of cultivating solid connections to help ensure a healthy prognosis.
“That relationship is ongoing – it’s not something where you see a therapist once or you see your psychiatrist once, it’s something you maintain to make sure that you want to live with mental illness,” she told People. “You have to take care of yourself.”
Demi has also taken on outside endeavors to bolster her efforts. In addition to becoming a co-owner of CAST Centers in Los Angeles earlier this year, she teamed up with the Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health initiative in 2015. For Demi, the reward of her work is all about giving back.
“This partnership means a lot to my fans because so many of my fans are dealing with mental illness, whether it’s depression or bipolar disorder or even schizophrenia,” she told the mag. “I have fans that deal with all sorts of mental illnesses so this is very important to them.”
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Demi’s personal accomplishments also remain a priority, as she looks ahead to her next recovery milestone. In March, the hitmaker will celebrate five years of sobriety.
— Erin Biglow
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