Demi Lovato launches The Mental Health Fund to fund crisis counseling amid coronavirus pandemic: ‘You are not alone’
Demi Lovato has been open about her struggles with mental health throughout her life.
And on Monday, the singer, 27, announced on Instagram that she’s helping launch The Mental Health Fund, to aid those suffering from anxiety and mental health issues amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Money generated, which has already topped $2 million, will help support four organizations that are dedicated to crisis counseling via text message.
Making a difference: Demi Lovato, 27, helped launch The Mental Health Fund to aid those suffering anxiety and mental health issues amid the coronavirus pandemic
‘So many have been left alone with their thoughts, their anxieties, their abusers – and are struggling with the uncertainty of these times,’ she wrote in the caption of her social media post.
‘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,’ she added.
Reaching out: The Unbroken singer wrote, ‘You are not alone,’ when making the announcement on social media on Monday
The Mental Health Fund aims to raise $5million through its GoFundMe page to support the Crisis Text Line in the US and similar crisis counseling organizations in the UK, Ireland and Canada.
‘It’s so important that people have these lines because sometimes you feel really alone and you don’t know where to turn or who to talk to,’ Lovato told People.
‘You’re afraid that these thoughts you’re having are too dark, and you need guidance. That’s where this comes in. It can provide help to people who are struggling.’
Gaining steam: The Mental Health Fund’s GoFundMe page raised more than $2 million of its $5 million goal in less than two days
The Unbroken star added: ‘Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. Oftentimes our society tells us that if we ask for help, we are weak. But the strongest thing someone can do is take that first step in getting help, whatever shape or form that is.’
As of Tuesday night, nearly 700 donations have been made on The Mental Health Fund GoFundMe page, totaling nearly $2.1 million.
Lovato has suffered from depression, an eating disorder, self-harm and substance abuse, which resulted in an overdose in 2018 after six years of sobriety.
Relatable star: Lovato, who has been open about her own struggles with mental health issues, has released six studio albums that have debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200