The 2 Ways People Have Responded to News of Demi Lovato's Overdose

If you haven’t heard… Demi Lovato reportedly was hospitalized for a drug overdose. She is thankfully stable now, and is recovering according to news sources. Because of her new song, “Sober,” I believed she was struggling again.. but honestly, I didn’t think about it too much.

• What is Bipolar disorder?

People with mental illness tend to have higher rates of addiction and as a fellow bipolar warrior and a woman with a BA in Psychology, I knew it was probably bound to happen again. That’s the sad reality. 

What did hit me hard were the responses of people around the world. Many fans felt sympathetic and sent heartfelt “thoughts and prayers” her way, while others mocked and made fun of her.

Both reactions are pretty unhelpful. 

I do not have a drug or alcohol addiction, but I do have some pretty unhealthy coping mechanisms. The “typical” ones I gravitate towards are more annoying than harmful. I stress-eat, pull my hair, chew on my fingernail skin until it bleeds and can be pretty bitchy to my husband.

When my bipolar was undiagnosed and I was elbow-deep into my mania, I did things that were dangerous, reckless and stupid. I did not give one shit that I could get sick or hurt. Then when the inevitable depression sank into my pores, I could barely stand to get up and breathe every single day.

I’m upset that Demi relapsed. To me it can feel like despite how good I am doing now, things will most likely get bad again. It’s often part of the unfortunate reality of having a mental illness. There will be times where the meds and therapy work great, and then others when they barely make a difference.

Which is why I don’t blame her. 

I am her. 

I struggle every day with a battle against an invisible demon that claws at my brain, tempting me to do something reckless. Tempting me to get off my meds. Tempting me to give up.

So, if you’re struggling, know you’re not alone. There are many of us out there struggling. Many of us relapsing. Many of us just barely hanging on…

But, there are those of us that are prospering, happily living every day.

It will get worse at times, but it does get better.

It may, get bad again… and again… and again. 

You may hate your life and really want to give up… but as long as you keep trying, there will be more good days.

Fight for your good days.

Even if it’s as simple as getting dressed in the morning.

Because, trust me, it’s worth it.

You’re worth it.