Member Since: 8/27/2011
Posts: 36,557
|
Demi Lovato #1 on CNN's List of Mental Wellness Warriors
http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/16/health...-need-it-most/
Quote:
1. Demi Lovato
Actress and singer Demi Lovato stepped into the mental health advocacy role in 2014 by openly discussing her struggles with bipolar disorder.
"I want to show the world that there is life -- surprising, wonderful and unexpected life -- after diagnosis," she says.
In September, Lovato headlined the National Alliance on Mental Illness' "Call to Action" day, telling the audience she will fight for comprehensive mental health reform. She also launched what she calls the Mental Health Listening and Engagement Tour to meet others struggling with mental health issues.
"Those of us here today," she told NAMI supporters, "know that mental illness has no prejudice. It affects people of every race, age, gender, religion and economic status. ... We need to send the simple message to our nation's leaders: Mental health matters and must be taken seriously."
The 22-year-old singer of smash hits "Let It Go" and "Give Your Heart a Break" struggled with depression and feelings of helplessness. "I'd medicate myself with drugs and alcohol in an effort to feel normal -- not better, just normal."
"I had very low periods that were so emotionally draining that I couldn't find the strength to crawl out of bed."
Her diagnosis of bipolar disorder was a "relief in so many ways." It helped make sense of the desperation she had felt for years.
"Even with access to so much," she told the NAMI crowd, "my journey has not been an easy one."
Opinion: Bipolar disorder and the creative mind
The former Disney Channel star's recovery was aided by a comprehensive approach: seeing a therapist, getting proper medication, sticking to a treatment plan, being honest with herself and taking better care of her body.
"Doing better with bipolar disorder takes work, and it doesn't always happen at once."
Mental health advocates say trying to reach America's youth is one of the toughest things in overcoming stigma, and that Lovato's star power helps bridge that divide. She says she's proud of her recovery and that she got the "help that I need."
"You can have that, too."
|
What a humanitarian! Wanting and succeeding to help others after her experiences like a saint! keep it cute by the way 
|
|
|
|
