Demi Lovato ‘felt responsibility’ to publicly address health and substance abuse struggles

October 23, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

Pop star and mental-health advocate Demi Lovato has once again spoken frankly about why they chose to publicly address their struggles with mental health and substance use — not as a publicity move, but out of a deeply felt sense of responsibility and connection to fans.

Why Lovato went public

In a candid interview on the podcast Las Culturistas (October 22, 2025), Lovato reflected on a pivotal moment: their manager had posed an ultimatum after a public outburst at age 18. “Do we tell the world what you’re going through, or do we sweep it under the rug?” the manager asked.

Lovato chose to speak out, explaining:

“I was like, ‘I didn’t have a role model at 13 that was speaking up… I need to be that role model for someone else.’”
“It was this responsibility that I was willing to take on because I wish that I could have had that growing up.”

Sharing pain to help others

Their willingness to be open about longstanding battles — including eating disorders, self-harm, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse — has been more than just a personal confession. Lovato sees transparency as a tool to reduce stigma and reach people who feel alone. For example, in past interviews they said:

“The more you talk about mental illness, the less of a taboo it becomes.”

And:

“I want to help people. And the best way that I know how is sharing my personal experience with them.”

What this means now

Lovato’s public stance isn’t just about recounting past struggles. It reflects a broader commitment:

• Accountability: They acknowledge that being open means others look up to them — a role they didn’t always desire but now embrace.

• Authenticity over perfection: Lovato keeps reminding fans that recovery and health aren’t linear, and transparency is more valuable than polished story-lines.

• Expanding the conversation: By speaking about eating disorders, self-harm, bipolar disorder, and addiction in one sweep, they highlight how interconnected these issues often are.

Why it matters for listeners of Radio 854

For our audience, this story has resonance. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or supporting someone who is, seeing a major artist like Demi Lovato step up and speak honestly can make a real difference:

• It reminds us that you don’t have to pretend you’re fine to deserve help or understanding.

• It shows that public figures can be both vulnerable and influential, challenging stigma around mental health and addiction.

• It underscores that helping others can come from sharing your truth, not hiding it.

Final thoughts

Demi Lovato’s decision to be public about their struggles is not just headline-making—it’s a message. A message of responsibility, of connection to those who felt unseen, and of the power of honesty. For Radio 854 listeners, it’s a reminder: if you’re suffering, you’re not alone—and speaking up can be part of the strength.