During her appearance on NBC's "Today' show last Thursday, Demi Lovato opened up about reaching a better mental state after struggling with bipolar disorder as well as drug and alcohol addiction for years.
The "Heart Attack' singer was recently named as celebrity spokesperson for the "Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health' campaign; she was also announced to have joined forces with Nick Jonas and their manager to create new record label, Safehouse Records.
The 22-year-old singer, who had previously experienced eating disorders, shared her sentiments on her past battles.
"I've been very open about my story just because that the more honest and open I am, the more people that I'm gonna be able to reach," Lovato explained on the "Today' show. "Mental illnesses, in general, are...not talked about as much as they should."
The former "X-Factor' judge also talked about her hopes for people to come to understand that falling into addiction is not a choice. In terms of bipolar disorder, Lovato pointed out its underlying causes, particularly the role that chemical imbalances play.
""¦It's something that you have to figure out your own treatment with your own team and in order to do that, it takes time," she added. "And finally, I'm in a great place where I can say that recovery is possible."
At age 18, Lovato spent some time in rehab to receive treatment for her physical and psychological issues. Months later, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Two more years later, the "Camp Rock' star opened up to Seventeen magazine about how she had chosen to deal with her issues.
"I was self-medicating. I was doing things like drinking and using [drugs], like a lot of teens do to numb their pain," the then 20-year-old singer revealed.
This March, Lovato celebrated three years of being sober; the "Let It Go' singer has learned to let bad decisions go as she focuses more on understanding the consequences of what might happen when she begins to "pick up and drink or use."
As she took to social media, Lovato shared a special post on Instagram for Phil McIntyre, her manager and now business partner, who she believes saved her life by helping her pave the path to sobriety.
She also reached out to her boyfriend, Wilmer Valderrama, for providing ample support throughout her recovery process, stating that she "wouldn't be alive" without him.
Finally, Lovato expressed her gratitude towards her fans for staying true and loyal to her.
"My fans have really held me accountable," she shared on the "Today' show. "And it's been really incredible to have them as inspirations to stay strong and stay sober as well."
