I think this is a really important video because it really talks about a variety of different things. Demi Lovato isn’t unique in her struggle. Millions of teenagers and young people all over the world grow up with debilitating body issues and peer pressure. And scores of them are also dealing with issues like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, chronic pain disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and more. 

In our society, we measure success by how independent we are, where independent translates as how little help you need from other people. But this is a false and unattainable standard that erases the realities of our daily lives. The most independent person in the world would be the most isolated person in the world, and that’s not something we should be striving towards! The reality is that our lives are interconnected and RELY on care and support. We all need support from our friends, families, school and government systems, medical systems, and jobs - all in one day!! Making dependence and care things that are weak and childish and embarrassing is not only wrong, it also comes back to hurt every single one of us.

Even if you don’t suffer from any of the above mentioned disorders or illnesses, not to mention any disabilities that create physical handicaps, your life as an able-bodied and healthy person is temporary. At some point in your life, you will need care. At some point in your life, you will need long-term care. At some point in your life, you will no longer be able bodied, healthy, or without mental disorders. This is a reality. Why then, do we talk about care and dependence in ways that make us ashamed, and weak? Care and dependence are realities of life. We as a society need to start having open conversations about the disorders and disabilities that shape our lives every single day, instead of being ashamed of them and hiding them from the world in attempts to remain normal and independent. We need to start having open conversations about the kinds of standards and ideals that we set for ourselves.

I really applaud Demi Lovato for being so open about her illnesses and experiences, because I know what it’s like to live every single day hiding specifics about your illness from everyone around you. It’s so exhausting and difficult, and I am still coming to terms with being more open about the difficulties of mental illness and behavioural disorders. 

having the courage to say ‘I need support’, or ‘I need care’ and coming together as a society and saying ‘that’s okay and brave’ will only make EVERYONE’S lives easier and more fulfilling. Stay strong! 

(Source: keepfighting-iloveyou)