Demi Lovato has always been very outspoken, using her experiences with mental health and addiction to help others dealing with the same hardships. As we wait for more information on her well-being following a drug overdose on Tuesday, let's take a look back at some of the singer's most inspiring, as well as heartbreaking, quotes about her past.
On Her Original Interest in Drugs:
"My dad was an addict and an alcoholic. Guess I always searched for what he found in drugs and alcohol because it fulfilled him and he chose that over a family.” –Simply Complicated in October 2017
On Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Help:
"I think when someone gets to rock bottom and they need a way out of that hole, the only way to get out is to surrender and ask for help." –Elle.com in October 2015
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On Sobriety:
"Every day is a battle." –At the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention Summer Spectacular in September 2017
"You just have to take it one day at a time. Some days are easier than others and some days you forget about drinking and using, but for me, I work on my physical health, which is important, but my mental health as well." –At the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention Summer Spectacular in September 2017
On Mental Health:
"Mental health is something that we all need to talk about, and we need to take the stigma away from it. So let’s raise the awareness. Let’s let everybody know it’s OK to have a mental illness and addiction problem." –Celebrating six years of sobriety at a concert in March 2017
"I remember sitting with my manager and my family and talking to them about whether or not to speak out about the issues that I was dealing with. I knew that there were two options: I could either not talk about my stint in rehab and hope that it went away, or I could talk about it and inspire people to get help for their issues, as well, so that's exactly what I did." –Womenshealthmag.com in May 2015
"It’s possible to live well, feel well, and also find happiness with bipolar disorder or any other mental illness [you're] struggling with.” –Womenshealthmag.com in May 2015
"I think when people refer to me as being bipolar, it's something that is true—I am bipolar—but I don't like people to use it as a label. It's something that I have, it's not who I am." –Talking to Elvis Duran on iHeart Radio in August 2017
"I stand here today as proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness." –At the Democratic National Convention in July 2016
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 24-hour treatment referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Findtreatment.samhsa.gov for free and confidential help. In the case of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or visit their website. The hotline also has an online chat option, or you can text the Crisis Text Line.
Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
