24/7 Hotlines: Call or text 988 or text 741741
I think a lot of you know, early this week Demi was treated for a suspected overdose and brought to a hospital.
Her family has denied that the overdose was caused by heroin.
I have loved Demi Lovato since I was fifteen.
At a time when I stayed up until 5 am on a daily basis, alone, isolated, and battling thoughts and urges that brought me to a place of desperation and fear I found comfort. I realized that Demi Lovato had been struggling with a lot of similar things.
I began to listen to her music, watch videos and felt a sense of companionship by this seemingly happy, funny, and cheerful girl who loved her sister and friends but still continued to fight inner demons, despite how happy she looked.
This was the first time I truly felt like I was not alone.
I wrote her a letter describing what I had been going through, and thanking her for helping me. I drew a picture of her.
I re-read it again and again but never sent it. My shame and fear convinced me it was stupid.
But I never stopped feeling connected by the experience of mental illness and addiction to Demi Lovato. I never stopped listening to her music, watching her videos, and thinking of her and the ways she managed to empathize with me from the other side of the country.
And now, in a time when she is struggling more than she has in recent years, I am here with her.
Perhaps it matters very little, but regardless, I stand with Demi.
I send her love and healing thoughts and hope she knows that she matters so much to so many.
Get, well soon Demi.
How has this affected you guys?
I think, despite the way it may feel, stigma is beginning to slowly melt away. We are speaking more and more openly about mental illness and addiction, thanks to people like Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and Logic.
Recent publicized suicides and overdoses make it nearly impossible to turn the other cheek to mental illness and addiction.
Despite how much our demons try to convince us of our isolation- we can never forget, we are not alone
TurningPointCT.org was developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. We know what it’s like to feel alone, stressed, worried, sad, and angry. We’ve lived through the ups and downs of self-harm, drugs and alcohol, and the struggle to find help.
Learn More »
© 2024 TurningPointCT.org. All Rights Reserved.
I really love that you wrote this. Sometimes I think people forget that famous people and celebrities are Human too. When there is suicide, over dose, health problem etc. we as a society start to see and remember that these people are just like us as well. I love that you can relate to her and that you wrote to her, even though you didn’t send it. Maybe some day you will, and even if you don’t, it means something to you.
Thoughts and prayers to Demi. <3
I love how you titled this Eliza!!
I hope and pray that Demi is able to continue her recovery. I know how much it sucks when you’ve relapsed … ugh it brings sooo much shame and guilt all over again times a million.
It’s sad that the media didn’t show any support towards Lamar Odom when he struggled with addiction too… I wonder, is it because he was a cheater? African American? When the whole thing happened with him I honestly felt bad for him because to me.. an addict is an addict … i’ll have compassion and empathy towards one no matter what they have done ya know?