Demi Lovato’s story shines light on the fact that celebrities fight mental battles too.
“Baby, I’m sorry, I’m not sorry!”
If you know this lyric, then you know Demi’s music, but that’s not all there is to know about this A-Lister. 31-year-old Demi Lovato is an American singer, songwriter and actress who uses the pronouns, she/they.
In 2002, they got their start in the entertainment industry with their role in the children’s series Barney & Friends. They were later featured in the musical, Camp Rock and its sequel, Camp Rock 2 : The Final Jam.
With their immense talent and success, they have established themself as a prominent figure in the industry. Beyond the spotlight, Demi Lovato is a notable influence in the mental health space.
Over the years, they have been open about their struggles with mental health, substance use and sexuality. Lovato’s stories open eyes to what celebrities go through behind the scenes.
Welcome to their world.
The Challenges of Fame
Being a celebrity comes with its own unique mix of pressures and challenges. Firstly, there is the constant invasion of privacy. Despite the many celebrity privacy laws, celebrities often have their lives analyzed by the media, fans and other members of the public. Every move, decision and mistake is scrutinized, and this can be overwhelming.
There’s also the pressure of appearances. Celebrities are expected to look and act perfect, even by the fans who claim to love them for being “real”. In addition, the entertainment industry is a competitive one. From demanding schedules to limited personal time and the strive to remain in the spotlight, your beloved “celebs” have close to zero space to breathe.
Since celebrities are in fact, real people, these challenges have profound effects on their mental health. The pressure to maintain a perfect image and constantly meet expectations can take a toll on the mind and overall well-being. Recognize how crucial it is for celebrities and yourself to prioritize mental health and seek support.
Demi Lovato’s Journey
For someone who’s been in the public eye since childhood, the honesty with which Lovato tells their story is refreshing. At just 8 years old, the singer’s battle with bulimia began and this went on to include substance abuse and bipolar disorder.
In an interview with NBC News, they spoke about their journey with addiction, depression, suicidal ideation and eating disorders.
“The first time I went for treatment was when I was 18.”
“When I came out of that experience, I was faced with the decision of either ‘keep your mouth shut and not say anything’ or ‘share your experience, strength and hope with another person in hopes that it affects them in a positive way’.”
Lovato chose the second option. They explained how important it is to get help early on, especially for teens because of the pressure of society’s unrealistic expectations.
“When you’re looking at images of people with perfect bodies, you start to look at yourself, and you start to pick yourself apart. It’s hard to grow up in a world where that’s right in front of your face and at your fingertips at all times.”
Although Lovato is now in a place of self-acceptance, they explain that it took a while to get there. From feeling relieved when they were finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder to struggling with public relapses and an overdose, their story proves that anyone can have mental health struggles. Just as none of this is Demi’s fault, it’s not your fault too.
Inspiring Others
Celebrities like Demi try their best to use their platforms for positive change, to raise awareness about important issues and inspire others. During their 2016 tour with Nick Jonas, they offered mental health-focused wellness workshops to fans in all the cities visited.
Lovato speaks not just about care, but on the mental illness itself. At 21, they were named honorary chair of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This was in recognition of their role as a positive influence for those who struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues.
In their acceptance speech, they said, “I am a survivor of mental health and addiction issues, and I am not ashamed.”
In an interview with Ashley Graham, Lovato referred to their eating disorders as “still the biggest challenge of my life.”
“There are periods of time where I forget about my food struggles, and other times, it’s all I can think about. Still, but that is what ED recovery looks like for some people and I still have hope that someday, I won’t think about it anymore”, she said in an old Instagram post.
In Lovato’s docuseries, Dancing With The Devil, they hold back nothing about their personal and musical journey.
In the words of a YouTube viewer,
“‘How many times is she going to talk about this?’ She’s going to talk about it all of her life if necessary. Mental health and addiction are a long life fight. You may not perceive it because you don’t educate yourself, but every time she does this, SHE SAVES LIVES, like it or not. THANK YOU DEMI.”
Takeaway
Demi Lovato’s experiences teach valuable lessons about prioritizing mental well-being and seeking help when it is needed, regardless of public status. It is a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Lovato’s journey emphasizes the importance of using your platform to raise awareness for what is important to you. In a world where mental illnesses are deeply stigmatized, sharing your story inspires others to open up.