Demi Lovato on Her Bipolar Disorder: 'It's a Daily Thing'

The pop singer say medication and "being honest and grateful" help keep her disorder in check

Photo: Matt Jones

Demi Lovato credits medication and inspiration for helping to keep her bipolar disorder in check.

“It’s a daily thing,” Lovato tells Cosmopolitan for Latinas, which named her its “Fun, Fearless Latina of the Year.” “I treat it with medication. Not everybody does that, but for me it works.”

Continues Lovato: “That’s what works for me – medicating, checking in with people, being honest, and being grateful for things.”

At 21, Lovato has overcome many hurdles – including an eating disorder, drug abuse, self-mutilation, rehab and a nervous breakdown – but the pop singer remains open about her struggles, hoping to inspire others, especially young people.

“When I was younger, I needed someone in the spotlight to idolize, who stood for positivity and light and happiness, and wanted to change the world,” says the former X Factor judge. “And because I didn’t have that, I realized, I want to do that, if only for my 12-year-old little sister.”

Lovato, who just finished a U.S. tour to promote DEMI, her fourth album, says she is “very proud of how far” she’s come, but admits there’s still a long way to go, especially when it comes to her career.

“I definitely want to win a Grammy one day, and I dream of winning an Oscar,” the pop star says. “I want to continue to tour and build my fan base and make music that will last for decades.”

Demi Lovato Reads from ‘Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year’