Demi Lovato delivers speech on mental illness at DNC

J.G. Taruc

July 27, 2016

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  Photo credit: eonline.com

  Demi Lovato speaks up about her struggle with mental health illness in a speech at the opening night of the Democratic National Convention according to USA TODAY.

  The ‘Stone Cold’ singer has never been shy on opening her story to the public. Back in 2011, she entered rehab where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of struggling with bulimia, cutting and drug addiction.

  “Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness, but I’m lucky,” Lovato told the crowd in Philadelphia. “I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility. Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don’t get help, either because they fear the stigma or cannot afford treatment.”

  The singer reminded the audience of the possible outcomes if medical attention is not received to those who have mental health issues.

  “Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences including suicide, substance abuse and long-term medical issues,” she said. “We can do better. Every one of us can make a difference by getting educated on this epidemic and its frightening statistics and by breaking the stigma.”

  In 2011, The singer/songwriter revealed that she was already experiencing depression when she was just 7 years old and thought of committing suicide; The former Disney teen star also became bulimic after her friends bullied her by calling her fat.

  “There were some times where my emotions were just so built up, I didn’t know what to do,” Lovato, then 18, said. “The only way that I could get instant gratification was through an immediate release on myself.”

  After her stint in rehab, She became an advocate for mental and the spokesperson for the Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health campaign.

  Watch Demi Lovato’s moving speech on mental health illness:

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