Mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD, are often hidden features, when it comes to youth around the world. These illnesses are heavily more so unnoticed in the music industry among popular artists. However, mental disorders, and those closely related to the listed above disorders, have recently seemed to have become more addressed and openly talked about in the music industry.
A strong advocate for mental awareness — who has struggled and dealt with these illnesses in her own life — is popularly-known actress, singer and songwriter, Demi Lovato.
In 2011, after becoming a rising icon through Disney, Demi entered rehab after being diagnosed with bipolar depression. At just 16, she had already faced a history of self-harm and heavy drug abuse in her fight with depression and anxiety. Since then, Demi has been a strong leader and voice for those struggling with mental disorders alike.
The actress/artist recently produced a documentary titled Beyond Silence that explains her journey with her mental illnesses.
The film helps to bring awareness, when it comes to these identified illnesses, and to inspire those who face the daily struggle of a mental disorder. The film has also worked to inspire those struggling with any form of a mental illness to come out and to be a voice for the ongoing issue.
While on her Mental Health Listening and Engagement tour that launched in 2015, Demi explained in a video:
In her movement to help those struggling with unnoticed mental illnesses, Demi formed a partnership with five other leading advocates for mental illness awareness in an organization called Be Vocal.
Formed In 2014, The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), JED, Mental Health America, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The National Council For Behavioral Health teamed up with Demi to help those who face mental illnesses to voice up and reach for the help needed in the fight against this ongoing topic.
In the short time period, Demi has sought to help fans and those struggling with mental illnesses, many have been impacted by the highly praised support Demi has purposed, since coming out for her personal struggles in relation to depression, self-harm and drug abuse.
As seen on social media and in numerous concerts and fan based events, Demi has strongly impacted the world with her association toward the increasing issue of mental illnesses in our generation. After the announcement of group therapy sessions before concerts while on her Tell Me You Love Me Tour, Demi’s fans on Twitter and other various social media platforms responded with strong gratitude and acknowledgment for Demi’s mental awareness efforts.
In one tweet, regarding her announcement to group therapy sessions, a fan said:
“As someone with a mental illness, having you (Demi) as an advocate for Mental Health makes me feel so inspired and that I am not alone. You slay in so many ways. You are definitely my inspiration.”
Another fan responded and tweeted to Demi:
“To all the people who are sharing their stories, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage, your words, your strength, and the fighter [who’s] in you. The world is such a beautiful place because of people like you.”
Along with the positive feedback received in regards to the inspiration and impact she has had in many individual’s lives, Demi has also helped other artists come out to openly talk about their mental illnesses.
Roughly three weeks ago, Lili Reinhardt (actress from the series Riverdale) was inspired by Demi to talk about her difficulties overcoming anxiety and depression. In an interview with Ocean Drive, Reinhardt openly said:
As a speaker and leader for awareness toward mental illnesses, Demi Lovato is a strong advocate. With her many established efforts as a young icon in our generation, she will continue to be a voice and help those who struggle with a mental disorder to seek help and speak out against this immense issue in America and all across the globe.
