No matter what Donald Trump has to say on the matter, Demi Lovato is proof that celebrities can and should use their platform to speak about political and social issues—especially when those issues are as important as mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health is unrelenting and dangerous, and Lovato (who has bipolar disorder) wants to change that. We spoke to Demi about her personal mental health experiences, maintaining privacy, and her appreciation of fellow advocate Kate Middleton.
"It's so important to be vocal about the things you're dealing with—you never know the life you could live if you're sharing your experiences with others."
She's *Not* Here for Society's Mental Health Stigma
"There's a stigma surrounding mental health issues because nobody talks about it. When you spread awareness and create conversation, that's when you realize mental health conditions aren't anything out of the norm. They're very common. They shouldn't be judged. They should be accepted."
Sacrificing Privacy About Her Own Mental Health Issues = Worth It
"I live a public life. When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I knew it was something that may or may not get out. But when I was faced with the decision about whether to discuss it, I thought I might as well use my voice for something greater than singing."
Demi Lovato speaks at the Capitol Hill Reception as part of her Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health initiative.
She Wishes She Hadn't Stayed Quiet About Her Mental Health for So Long
"I had my parents and I had friends that were very supportive. Unfortunately, I kept a lot of things to myself, so the outcome wasn't as beneficial to me as it could have been. That's why it's so important to be vocal about the things you're dealing with—you never know the life you could live if you're sharing your experiences with others."
She's Over People Misusing the Term "Bipolar"
"I get frustrated when people use the term 'bipolar' loosely. Like, they say 'Oh, I can't decide what movie to watch, I'm so bipolar.' You don't say, 'I can't decide what movie to watch, I'm so cancer.'"
Mental illness affects millions but the photos out there just aren't showing the real picture. #BeVocalSpeakUp is looking to change that.November 3, 2016
She's Inspired By Kate Middleton (Aren't We All?)
"It's incredible what Kate Middleton is doing. If we had more people over here doing that, maybe there would be less stigma in the United States."
She's Tired of the Assumption that People with Mental Health Issues Are Violent
"Anytime you aren't creating conversation about what mental health really is, you're opening it up to a bunch of negativity. It's important to remember that the vast majority of people living with mental health conditions aren't violent. They're ten times more likely to be the victims of a violent crime."
Watch Be Vocal, Demi Lovato's new documentary about mental health here.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Hollywood's Next A-ListYou may not recognize all of them...yet. But these 22 individuals have delivered some of the most triumphant on-screen performances in recent memory.
-
The Ambition Issue
A celebration of striving for success in whatever's most important to you.
-
I Quit My Job as a CEO to Become an Intern
In an excerpt from her memoir, Alisha Fernandez Miranda takes a one-year break from her role as CEO at a consulting firm to try out the jobs she's always dreamed of doing.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
