"It all starts with a conversation." - Demi Lovato
We all have “mental health,” just as we all have physical health. Like our physical health, our mental health can change over time and can be balanced or imbalanced. Unfortunately, mental health is almost always discussed in terms of pathology, rather than as an aspect of human health that is universal. Challenges around these issues affect every single one of us and making this topic more accessible starts with changing the conversation. With so much silence and misunderstanding around mental health, when high profile celebrities speak openly about their experiences, it serves as a powerful force in shining the light on the reality of brain disorders and encouraging compassion for those who live with them.
Last night we attended the UCLA Semel Institute’s Open Mind Gala, an affair that is always star-studded and filled with hope. This gathering of researchers, people with lived experience, and philanthropists not only honors important members of the psychiatric community at UCLA but also raises much-needed funds for brain research and drives awareness around mental health.
This year, Demi Lovato was honored with the Artistic Award of Courage for her bravery in speaking about her experiences with bipolar disorder and addiction and encouraging others to seek help. She spoke about the motivation behind her advocacy work saying, "It's important to use my platform because I have a voice that reaches so many people and I feel like if I don't do good or if I don't use my voice, I'm not doing good.” Demi has publicly stated that having learned to manage her mental health, she’s compelled to share so that others know “there can be life on the other side of hard times.” We have been fans of Demi for a long time and were most impressed with her advocacy last year, at the Democratic National Convention, where she spoke passionately about the shortcomings of our healthcare system and encouraged not only lawmakers, but all Americans to play a part in making a difference.
That idea of togetherness and community was a prominent theme of the night. Emcee, Lisa Kudrow commented that “it creates community to talk about private things.” We experienced this firsthand with the small group of guests seated at our table. One of the Semel Institute board members who was sitting with us insisted that we go around the table to introduce ourselves and share our connection to the cause. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the gala, we created a special space where all felt welcomed, seen, and appreciated. They were moments of simple but powerful connection, something that we need more of in the mental health community, where isolation and shame is so prevalent.
Shelley Singer, Janine Francolini and Elyn Saks
We are grateful for Demi Lovato’s courage and for the honesty with which she has shared the ups and downs of her challenges (kudos for her public announcement that she just celebrated the five-year anniversary of her sobriety). The night was also a celebration of the incredible research and treatment developments coming out of the UCLA system. With dedicated doctors and researchers, and strong, authentic voices like Demi’s we can change the face of mental health and lend strength to our movement, bringing awareness, understanding, and compassion to this issue and better outcomes for the people who are living with these conditions. A flawless congratulations to all the heroes who were in the spotlight last, night blazing trails of hope for us all.