At a recent event held by The Center For Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian’s annual benefit, the 31-year-old singer opened up about her journey of self-discovery and growth, following five in-patient mental health treatments.
During a discussion with Dr. Charlie Shaffer, Anna Wintour’s son, the actress shared her candid experiences. “I have been to inpatient treatment five times, and every single time I felt defeated,” she admitted.
Despite the challenges, Lovato found a glimmer of hope when she began to put in the necessary work and build relationships with her treatment team. “The turning point for me was when I started finding joy in the little things in life,” she explained. This shift in perspective was a significant departure from her previous feelings of hopelessness.
After her fifth treatment, Lovato noticed a substantial difference. “It felt like I had hit rock bottom and I just knew what I needed to do, which was to live a life in recovery,” she shared. Acknowledging the importance of medication in her journey, Lovato emphasized its positive impact on her and others facing similar struggles.
Reflecting on her journey, Lovato emphasized that her mental health struggles do not define her. “It wasn’t until I went into treatment for the first time that I realized this isn’t who I am,” she said. Instead, she views her struggles as a part of her journey, shaping her into who she is today.
Despite the challenges, Lovato expressed gratitude for her experiences and the strength she has gained from overcoming them.
