Yesterday, Demi Lovato was hospitalized in Los Angeles. With the news, celebrities and fans quickly started sending thoughts and prayers to the singer via social media.
We should all wrap our arms of love around Demi Lovato. I am so happy you’re alive. Thank God. If I know my monsters as well as I believe I do, we all wish you self-compassion and inner peace. And may you receive the love so many have for you. #ImConfidentInDemi Demi, I love you.
In the midst of everything, some of Demi's fans — nicknamed "Lovatics" — started using the hashtag #HowDemiHasHelpedMe to share their powerful stories about how the singer has helped them in some way.
A ton of Lovatics talked about specific songs that they turn to when they need strength:
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe when I was at the worst part of my life and I just wanted to give up completely, Demi’s speeches and music and book just kept me going and helped me be able to finally ask for help. I just recently passed 5 years clean and I credit that partially to her. ❤️
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe i remember one night in the hospital after an attempt, i was sitting in my hospital room on the floor next to the radio with my head against the wall and tears were streaming down my face. then skyscraper came on the radio. and i knew id be okay.
there was this day i was attempting and then i turned on my laptop, went on YouTube and i saw demi singing "warrior" live for the first time, i googled the lyrics and then her story... she saved me that day. she always saved me. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe she taught me through her song "Warrior" that our most painful moments make us stronger and more self-conscious, which is great when I'm insecure about my appearance or my bad feelings. The struggles are still there though "I got thicker skin"
Demi changed my life with the lyrics of Skyscraper. She inspired me to ask for help. Her music help me to stay strong everyday. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
Stone cold helped me when I was going through a breakup sorry not sorry helped me become unapologetically myself Skyscraper brought me out of depression Confident made me feel like I could take on the world Really dont care helped me remember my worth. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
Some opened up about their own struggles and how Demi's openness saved their lives:
Demi sharing her story has taught me that is okay to have mental illness and how she inspired us to go forward in life no matter. Her music is so an inspiration and describes what she really feeling in her soul. She is my idol #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
After I watched simply complicated I got clean after battling depression,anxiety,ocd and suicidality for over 10 years o finally asked for help, sure I’ve relapsed and am still struggling and recovering but atleast the help is there #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe Her music helped me realized that it was okay to be broken. Her being honest about her problems helped me see I could be something other then a mental illness. I love you Demi
Demi helped stop the stigma for Mental Illness and she showed us that even the best of us relapse. I had just relapsed with self harm when she released Sober and I remember breaking down listening to this song. We are not alone in this and that is #HowDemiHasHelpedMe ❤
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe I love how she is open about mental health & eating disorders. She always talks about body positivity and that makes me feel a lot better about myself. I love how she encourages us to love ourselves and our bodies. @ddlovato
Demi was my only voice of reassurance during my doubt and anxiety while being bullied throughout High School, when ever I didn’t feel comfortable I would put my headphones in, turn @ddlovato on and tune out the world #HowDemiHasHelpedMe 💗
The main fact that I appreciate, was the struggle that I had with my acceptance, not only of my body, also of my sexual preferences. I think she taught me that it's okay to be different, to fight for what you want, and to be real before the whole world. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
They even talked about specific interactions with the singer that they still carry with them:
i was bullied at school and i’ve always been insecure/shy. demi helped me so many times and one day i was in a really bad day, so i posted a letter saying how i was feeling about myself and she commented this. i have no words to say how much i love her. 😔❤ #HowDemiHasHelpedMe https://t.co/EYOp6UHjMQ
that one time at a show when she said "put on my music because I'm gonna be there for you"😔🖤 #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
Some Lovatics praised her for shining a light on issues and for teaching them:
her story really changed my perspective on so many things. i was so ignorant about mental health, not only in general but also about my own, and her raw honesty opened my eyes. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe she has taught me that if we keep fighting our demons will never defeat us
Then, some just wanted to let her know how much she means to them:
@ddlovato you don’t know it but God used you & your music to save my life to pull me out of the worst time in my life. I love you & I cannot thank you enough. Keep fighting because the world is in love with you. YOU not some pop star but YOU. Take your time. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe She gives me so much light and happiness. But beyond the excitement and joy she gives me, she is on a journey with me. We both are figuring out life, and she inspires me to grow as she does. I completely love her and don’t know what I’d do without her here
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe I've learned that I am not perfect, I don't have to change myself for others, and even when I'm in a deep hole I can always get out of it and shine bright.
she helped me to accept myself as I am and taught me that we are all worthy, more so than we realise. I hope she knows about the base she has and about the number of people who would sacrifice anything to help her. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
We love you, Demi!
If you are thinking about suicide or just need to talk to someone, you can speak to someone by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Suicide helplines outside the US can be found here.