Demi Lovato Launches a Mental Health Fund for Those Struggling amid Coronavirus

From Harper's BAZAAR

• Yesterday, Demi Lovato announced that she would be launching The Mental Health Fund, an initiative that will donate to organizations specializing in crisis counseling via text messaging.

• Thus far, the initiative has raised more than $2 million.

• Lovato has previously spoken candidly about her own mental health struggles.

Demi Lovato announced on Instagram yesterday that she's launching a new initiative, The Mental Health Fund, as a way donate money to groups that focus on crisis counseling via text messaging. The initiative comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shelter-at-home orders, which may have adverse effects on those struggling with their mental health.

"So many have been left alone with their thoughts, their anxieties, their abusers—and are struggling with the uncertainty of these times," Lovato wrote. "That is why I am helping to launch #TheMentalHealthFund to support organizations who are meeting the increased demand in crisis counseling due to COVID-19. You are not alone. Help is fast, free and available 24/7."

So far, the fund has generated more than $2 million, which will go toward Crisis Text Line, Kids Help Phone, Shout, and SpunOut.ie.

Lovato isn't shy about getting personal about her own mental health, including confronting an eating disorder and addiction. In Harper's BAZAAR's May 2020 cover story, the pop star speaks about how the pressures as a Disney child star led her to neglect her own mental health. "I do feel that a lot of the way some of my life was handled and lived led to me kind of having a bit of a downfall, just because I was so overworked and I wasn’t dedicating enough time to my mental health or my personal life," she says.

She also recalls the outpouring of support and love that she received after her 2018 overdose scare. "It's hard when you're in a moment like that because you don't feel worthy of it," she says. "But looking back, I understand that I was just someone going through something, and people were really supportive and were there for me, and it meant everything."

Hopeful that her experience has destigmatized seeking help for addiction, she continues, "What's important to focus on is the outpouring of love and support. It made it okay for someone they know to ask for help."

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