Demi Lovato on how to deal with depression

‘The most important thing is to never, ever be afraid to ask for help …It could save your life.’

Are you a Lovatic? Even if you are not, you will learn a lot from Funfare’s exclusive interview with Demi Lovato, such as how to spring out of depression and how music can help perk you up.

Lovatics (as Demi fans are called) will have another chance to experience the uplifting effect of her music when she performs in her second concert in the Philippines on April 30 (Thursday) at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena.

“I want you to lose yourself in the music,” Lovato always reminds her beloved Lovatics. “Music is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

The press bulletin from Wilbros, which is producing the concert, reiterates the fact that Lovato is widely known for her incomparable vocal prowess, the various TV shows she has starred in, her role as Mitchie in the Disney film Camp Rock (which elevated her to fame), and as one of the prominent judges of the American X Factor.

She’s also admired for her honesty with her personal life. The Wilbros bulletin recalled that in her third (Neon Lights) tour, Lovato revealed the trying times of her life, referring to her withdrawal from a world tour to enter a treatment facility due to “physical and emotional issues.” Billboard considered Lovato’s disclosure about her struggles “the most interesting aspect” of the show, adding, “as much as Lovato has evolved as a performer since that scary period in her life, however, she has admirably made that past the visible bedrock of her artistry.” Excerpts from Funfare’s interview with Lovato:

When and how did you learn to love music? “Music has always played a major role in my life. I first fell in love with performing at age five after participating in a talent show. I really haven’t stopped singing since then.”

Why did you decide to make a career out of making music?

“To be honest, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Music has always been in my life; it’s a great way to express myself and to relate to others.”

Who are your pop idols?

“So many, but Kelly Clarkson, Ed Sheeran and Nick Jonas are the first three that come to mind!”

How did you develop and define your musical genre?

“As I grow personally and as an artist, I have become more comfortable with myself and confident in my ability to make the kind of music that I love; my music reflects my personal experiences.”

What can you advise your fans who go through the same struggle (depression)?

“The most important thing is to never, ever be afraid to ask for help. It’s the hardest step but the most important. It could save your life.”

How has music helped you deal with depression?

“Music is a community. It’s comforting to know that there are other people in the world who have

experienced similar struggles and have come out on top … having a fan tell me that my music has helped them through a hard time is an amazing feeling.”

How do you avoid the temptations of the road and the business?

“It’s easy to avoid temptation when I focus on how far I’ve come and how far I can continue to go.

How are you now? How would you describe the state you’re now in and why?

“I’m happy and healthy, and that’s all I could ask for. Most importantly, I am confident in who I have become.”

Who is your role model?

“Kelly Clarkson. She’s incredibly talented, downto-earth and an amazing example for young girls. I admire artists who I am comfortable with my younger sister looking up to.”

You’ve been in showbiz for a long time. How do you think the entertainment business has changed since you began? If you had the power to change just one thing about it, what would it be?

“When I started in this industry, social media was not nearly as prevalent as it is now. It definitely plays a huge factor in the way people interact with each other and their fans. Although there are many positive attributes associated with social media, it unfortunately opens a whole new door for bullying which is the only thing I would change. I love social media and use it regularly as a method to communicate with my fans, but I do wish that it could exist without the hate.

How do you think child stars can guard themselves against having “too much, too soon” get into their heads?

“It’s hard to say because everyone is different, but it’s important to focus on what matters and not to worry about others’ opinions of you — stay close to those who keep you grounded.”

You’re pretty active on social media. How do you deal with the haters?

“There will always be haters. You can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t have to. That’s something I’ve had to come to terms with. It’s important to know that they can’t affect you if you don’t let them.”

Have you gotten new tattoos or are you planning on getting more? What do you have in mind and what will this mean?

“Last year, I got a new tattoo on my side which was inspired by my family. Usually, when I get a new tattoo it’s a spur-of-the-moment idea so you never know what will be next!”

How would you like your music and your showbiz career to grow?

“I just want to continue writing and recording music. I would also like to grow as an actor, doing voiceovers and maybe even Broadway! Who knows?”

(Demi Lovato Live in Manila at the MOA on April 30 is produced by Wilbros with Fox and Star World as co-presenters in cooperation with, among others, MYX and The

Philippine STAR. For tickets, check out SMTICKETS.COM or call 470-2222.)

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com.)