Demi Is Over The Stigma Attached To Mental Illness

Demi Lovato wants you to know that she is doing just fine. Really. And because she is doing so well, she wants to help others who have struggled like she once did when it comes to sharing the same joy. Demi Lovato launched a new mental health campaign to help raise awareness and also to take away the negative stigma that often accompanies mental health issues. And since she has overcome struggles that fit this description, it is personal for her. She told People,

I'm living well with my mental illness — I am actually functioning like a very happy person would. I couldn't be happier today. Life is really, really great. I have a brand-new puppy and I'm able to not only take care of myself but take care of him as well. I'm living my dream. Life is pretty amazing.

The singer, who announced her partnership with five mental health organizations, called Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health on May 28, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the past. Now, she has opened up about how she was able to pursue her dreams and be the best performer she could be despite her diagnosis. Of course, this is far from the first time the 22-year-old has opened up about her struggles. She has long been a champion for raising awareness about different mental health issues, and has also spoken frankly about her struggles with an eating disorder. But this time, she is not only taking an activist approach, but inspiring others to become activists, as well.

As part of the campaign, Lovato is encouraging others to speak out about their mental health and help them improve access to treatments in their own communities by suggesting they write letters to Congress. The Camp Rock star revealed that her father suffered from schizophrenia as well as bipolar disorder, and that she had to watch him lead a very sad life due to lack of access to treatment and help. Sadly enough, if others see people with mental illnesses not doing well, they may assume that everyone with an issue is beyond help, which is, of course, not the case.

As Lovato has clearly shown with her great success, it is absolutely possible to thrive despite having a mental illness. And since she has such a wide platform, she can lead this campaign more successfully than the everyday person could. But, as she clearly recognizes, only if enough everyday people speak out about mental illness, can a major difference be made. Kudos to Lovato for leading the pack!

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