Demi Lovato on her struggle with mental illness
Demi Lovato got really honest really fast with the D.N.C. crowd Monday night in Philadelphia. Before performing her single Confident, the 23-year-old singer delivered a speech aimed at the importance of mental-health advocacy. She started by telling her own story:
Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness, but Im lucky: I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility, she began. Lovato, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, is transparent about the fact that she had the resources necessary to help her manage her illness. Since that time in 2010, she has spoken out about her own illness and become a strong advocate for those living with similar challenges.
You know, entering rehab while youre on the Disney Channel, it was kind of like, everything was magnified, in the spotlight. Its quite the headline, she told Elle last year. And I couldnt get around it. So I thought, you know, I can use this to help others. And thats what I did.
But, she reminded her audience Monday night, not everyone can afford that privilege:
Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life dont get help, either because they fear the stigma or cannot afford treatment. Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences, including suicide, substance abuse, and longterm medical consequences.
She made a push for politicians to become educated on mental-health issues and change laws to better serve the Americans who live with them. She believes in this movement so strongly that she has invited members of her treatment team along on her world tour, so that least a small group of people, even for a brief moment, can have the support that I received.
Lovato praised Hillary Clinton as a candidate who would help fight for that support to all Americans who need it. Lets make her the next president of the United States of America.
Then, to the faint tune of Bernie Sanders supporters still chanting in the background, she launched into her hit song. A clear anthem of Hillary support, its lyrics setting what is perhaps the overall tone of a Clinton-led D.N.C.: This is my game, so you better come to play.
Source: http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/07/demi-lovato-dnc-mental-illness-awareness
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