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Why Demi Lovato’s Advocacy for Mental Health Is Important

Demetria Devonne Lovato, otherwise known as Demi Lovato is a renowned multi platinum, grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and actress. Widely known for her roles in Disney’s Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance as well as her astounding vocals, Lovato has had her fair share of personal struggles and overwhelming pressures. At just 18, she was admitted into Timberline Knolls, a treatment center based in Illinois for self-harm, bulimia, substance abuse and depression. She later on was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, something she did not know she had until she went to treatment.

Upon ending her three months in treatment and continuing her recovery, Lovato took the opportunity to become vocal about her struggles and be of help to those who share her experiences. Making it her mission to shed light on mental illness and its stigma, as well as encouraging others to seek help, here are some of the few reasons why Demi Lovato’s advocacy for mental health is so important:

1. Showed People what it Means to live with Mental Illness

In 2012, Lovato had her documentary Demi Lovato: Stay Strong” aired on MTV, where she opened up of the events that unfolded prior to her seeking treatment in 2010. The documentary shines light on her day to day struggles and follows her on the road of her 2011 Unbroken Tour.

2. Provided People with Insight on how to Deal with life One Day at a Time

In late 2013, Lovato released “Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year“, a memoir and collection of daily reflections and goals that provide guidance and ease the journey for those struggling to find hope. Having gone through so much at such a young age, Lovato found it necessary to be a role model for young people and reassure them that no matter what they are going through, that it gets better.

3. Founded a Program to help Individuals Struggling with Mental Health

In honor of her biological father, Patrick Lovato, who passed away in 2013 and had struggled with mental health issues all his life, Lovato partnered with Cast Recovery to create the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program. The scholarship would cover the expenses for someone dealing with mental health and/or addiction issues due to the costly nature of effective treatment. In March of 2015, Lovato hosted the first event to raise funds for the program and raise awareness for mental health.

4. Encourages People to Speak up

In 2015, Lovato became the spokesperson for “Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health”, a campaign that aims at breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness by speaking openly and freely about mental health. This is significant as it seeks to build a community where it’s safe for people no matter who they are to express their experiences and seek help.

5. Pushed for Mental Health Reform on Capitol Hill

Being the spokesperson for “Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health”, Lovato made an urgent plea to lawmakers on Capitol Hill for improved mental health treatment in America. Prior to her meeting with lawmakers at the conference, she explained to MSNBC that she wanted action to be taken through comprehensive mental health reform as well as having accessible treatment options.

6. Helped Fans Be their Best Selves

In 2016, Lovato and childhood best friend Nick Jonas co-headlined the Future Now Tour together and decided to bring Cast Centers along with them for the ride. #CastonTour gave fans the opportunity to engage in intimate conversations with inspirational speakers prior to each show. The speakers shared their own experiences and struggles and told the audiences what they did to get the help that they needed and how much of an impact that help had on their lives.

Despite her young age, Lovato has been more vocal and active about something as important as mental health than plenty of other celebrities who want to see change happen but are not willing to do anything to make it happen. With that being said, Demi has taught us that change for the better is not impossible and that whatever we want, we must fight for. Furthermore, she continues to inspire young people as well as adults and give them the strength to make it through with her music and actions. So, Thank you Demi for everything that you’ve done, it has not gone unnoticed.

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