Singer, songwriter, actress, activist, and girlboss extraordinaire Demi Lovato released a new documentary on YouTube last week, and it’s so important that everyone take the time to watch it. Besides the fact that it’s free- which, in and of itself, is amazing- Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated focuses on Demi’s struggles and lessons with mental health. She engages in critical conversations that deal with some of the incidents which have shaped her career, included when she punched one of her background dancers in 2010.
For those who have struggled with mental health or substance abuse at any capacity, it can be reassuring to hear someone else speak up in such a candid way. Demi starts everything off by boldly stating that the last time she sat for such a long interview, she was high on cocaine. From the get-go we know that Demi is being raw and real, and along with opening up about the many difficulties that ultimately lead to her current sobriety (5 years and counting!), she also bravely discusses the struggles she still faces with eating disorders.
Now I’ll admit, I don’t listen to Demi’s music on a regular basis, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t able to connect with the human messages found in this important documentary. Yes, a lot of it is about painful experiences, but so much of it shows how to turn that negative energy into a driving force of passion and resilience. We see Demi in the studio working tirelessly to produce a perfect album for the fans she loves so dearly, and even get to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of her House Party tour.
Along with learning more about Demi in such a holistic way, you’ll also see some familiar faces on screen. The Jonas Brothers, Wilmer Valderrama, and Billy Ray Cyrus all make appearances, along with Demi’s sisters and her mom. This really gives us a sense of who the key players in Demi’s personal and professional life have been, along with her musical inspirations. Talking about things is often as hard as facing them head on, which is why we should all be proud of Demi for taking this bold step in being the voice for thousands of others who may be struggling silently.
[Feature Image by People]