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On Thursday (May 11), nearly halfway through Mental Health Awareness Month, Demi Lovato discussed bipolar disorder, gender fluidity, and the spotlight in a candid talk at the inaugural Hollywood & Mind Summit. He spoke of his own experience in dealing with
The 30-year-old star, who struggled with mental illness and has been in the public eye since a young age, said he has a long way to go to the self-acceptance he feels now. In 2011, the 18-year-old Lovato revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and has been open about her struggles with substance abuse and eating disorders for years. In 2018, she was hospitalized after suffering a fatal heroin overdose.
However, the singer has come a long way since then. During a public debate on the summit’s podium in Los Angeles on Thursday, Lovato said she “had been out of control all her life, but now she feels she’s in control.” ‘ said. people.
before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. camp rock The actress recalled being very confused about their mental state. “I remember being on a tour bus when I was 15 and watching fans follow the bus with posters and try to wave at me out the window. And all I could do was sit there and cry,” Lovato said. “And I remember crying in the backseat of the tour bus watching the fans and thinking, ‘Why am I so unhappy?'”
“I’m so relieved to finally have a diagnosis,” Lovato said, adding that she first learned about her bipolar disorder after seeking treatment for anorexia and bulimia. “I’ve spent years struggling and I just don’t understand why it’s so right to deal with depression when the world in front of me just seemed like an opportunity. I did.”
Things are better now, Lovato said, explaining that behaviors like ignoring Instagram comments, even positive ones, are important for maintaining peace of mind. “If I see something negative it will hurt my feelings, if I see something positive it will affect the external evaluation that I have worked so hard to not need. Yeah, and it takes me back to my child star days.” I need some outside validation,” the musician said.
“That’s why I don’t see comments. [they’re] Either hurt me or feed it. ”
Still, some days are better than others, Lovato said. She said she still struggles with anxiety from time to time and is still navigating the sometimes difficult territory of gender expression. “I’m a very fluid person,” he said. dancing with the devil Star. “My gender identity is also fluid at times. I identify as more feminine on certain days and more non-binary on other days.”
“I’m learning more about myself every day,” Lovato added. “Set boundaries and then step back and [realizing]”No, this is actually what I want.” This is the journey I recommend to everyone. [take]”
