SINGER DEMI LOVATO COMES OUT ON MENTAL ILLNESS ISSUES AT DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

By Jonathan Goetz

July 26, 2016 (Philadelphia) -- Singer/songwriter Demi Lovato endorsed Hillary Clinton for President in Philadelphia Monday, stating that Clinton “will fight to ensure all people living with mental health conditions get the care they need to lead fulfilling lives.” Lovato, who has been treated for bipolar disorder and bulimia, then delivered a moving performance of “Confident.”

View video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v”=h2xTu3zbkik  Full transcript:

“Like millions of Americans I am living with mental illness. But I am lucky. I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility.

Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don’t get help either because they fear the stigma or cannot afford treatment.

Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences including suicide, substance abuse and long-term medical issues.

We can do better. Every one of us can make a difference.

By getting educated on this epidemic and its frightening statistics and by breaking the stigma I urge every politician to support laws that will provide access to better healthcare and support for everyone. This is not about politics. It is simply the right thing to do.

I am doing my very small part by having the treatment center that saw me through my recovery on tour with me so that at least a small group of people even for a brief moment can have the same support that I received.

It may not be a lot but we have to believe that every small action counts.

I stand here today as proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness.

I am proud to support a Presidential Candidate who will fight to ensure all people living with mental health conditions get the care they need to lead fulfilling lives.

That candidate is Hillary Clinton.

Let’s make her the next President of the United States of America.”