Celebrity Success Stories - A new series on Celebrity Inspirations

Demi Lovato

"It doesn't have to take over your life. It doesn't have to define you. It's just important that you ask for help".

Demi Lovato is an inspiration. Hands down. From achieving super stardom after her successful stints as a Disney star to being a successful singer-songwriter, she went on to become a steadfast campaigner for mental health awareness; the 'Sorry not Sorry' hitmaker has done it all. But the most inspiring thing about her is how she dealt with Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, depression, bulimia and drug overdose throughout her life. Around 4 years ago, she opened up about her struggles with bipolar disorder and Drug overdose and how getting diagnosed changed her life for the better. The platinum recording artist revealed in a heart to heart conversation with Buzzfeed about the most difficult times in her life, how she finally learned to ask for help. She added that mental illness is as serious a problem as physical illness and demands attention and care. Demi was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 18. She further emphasized that getting diagnosed is a privilege not many can afford. She said, " Try to be vocal about your struggles as early as possible. What many people don't realize is that they are delaying their own happiness." However even after struggling with so many demons at the same time, Demi continues to strive harder and take bolder steps to help people suffering with mental illnesses all over the globe. In 2015 she launched a global platform for people suffering with mental illnesses called "Be Vocal." The platform serves for everyone to talk about their struggles and allows the community to help them in whichever ways possible. "The whole path of self discovery and proper diagnosis has brought me closer to myself",says Demi. She said in an interview that getting proper diagnosis for Bipolar disorder made her feel at peace with herself. "I could feel more connected with the songs I wrote and the work I did. I'd finally found a reason for the agony I felt everyday since childhood. I realized that I could feel inner happiness and keep going, `` she commented on her struggles. Since its inception, "Be Vocal" has helped many people through their tough times. The mantra of sharing your problems and asking for help through conversations has transformed many lives and helped in destigmatizing the negative notions about mental illnesses. The initiative is also being lobbied in Congress to help make mental health awareness a necessity in the lawbook of the United States of America. Demi has made the world realize that it's never too late to accept and acknowledge that there's something worrying about your mental health which can be solved. Mental illness must be like any other physical illness. It can get better with steadfast communication, immense patience and a strong community for self help. We can bring about the change of accepting mental illness as what it is and not as something which makes people feel insecure about their selves.

-Nishtha Dhani