Singer Demi Lovato has struggled with the stigma of mental illness; now she's hoping to ease the way for others. Almost five years after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in a rehab she entered mid-tour, she is in good health and acting as spokesperson for Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health.
The former Disney star and singer wants everyone to know that there is no shame in living with mental illness.
"I'm living well with my mental illness-I am actually functioning like a very happy person would," Lovato says. "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 22-year-old continues, "The people that are closest to me in my life are understanding and are willing to call me out on things if they notice unhealthy behaviors coming into play."
Since she received her diagnosis, Lovato has become a vocal advocate, working to raise awareness about mental health. She also created a scholarship program for treatment in honor of her father.
"My father had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well, and I watched him live a very unfortunate life because of the lack of access to treatment," Lovato says. It's no wonder she is so dedicated; she saw him die in 2013.
"So it's very personal to me, I just think mental illness is something people need to learn more about and the stigma needs to be taken away from."
Lovato partners with Mental Health America (MHA) on her new campaign.
"MHA's founder, Clifford Beers, declared over 100 years ago that we must address mental illness and 'fight in the open,' and that is exactly what Demi Lovato is doing," says Paul Gionfriddo, MHA president and CEO.
Researchers say that bipolar disorder affects about 2.4 percent of people worldwide, and that the United States lifetime rate for bipolar disorder, 4.4 percent, is the world's highest.
"There's so many different ways you can help," Lovato says. "I think together as a country we have to step up and we have to do something about this issue that is becoming quite an epidemic."
One of Lovato's central goals is to help people with mental illness to speak openly about the problem for the sake of their health.
"It's also about speaking up for your community which is taking action, whether it's writing a letter to Congress and telling them how this is affecting you and your life and how you would like to see mental health care more accessible in your community."
Lovato's involvement goes beyond being a face for the cause. In 2014 she joined the Mental Health Listening and Engagement Tour and traveled around the country with the tour. Lovato told People Magazine that she has received an overwhelmingly positive response on the tour.
"I've felt tons of support by fellow people that have mental illnesses at these events and people who are just speaking up for people who can't speak anymore."
