Singer Demi Lovato knows what it’s like dealing with an invisible Disability. Recently, they shared an important message about their eating disorder recovery with their fans on Instagram

Lovato posted a Boomerang of a coffee mug that reads, “I am worth it,” next to a stylized heart, which is a symbol associated with the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). 

LINK TO INSTAGRAM POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/COgY23qDUV6/

In the post they write, “There are periods of time where I forget about my food struggles and other times it’s all I think about. Still. But that is what ED recovery looks like for some people and I still have hope that someday I won’t think about it anymore. For now my mug reminds me that I am worth it, and today I believe it.”

In 2010, Lovato made their struggles with eating disorders public. They sought treatment for both bulimia and self-harm issues and has been open about their road to recovery. The recent documentary series on YouTube, Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, addresses their heroin addiction, failed engagement, and much more, with brutal honesty. 

In the series, the 28-year-old also discusses how the pandemic actually helped them in their recovery, saying, “It’s interesting that it took me a quarantine to work on this trauma stuff. I’d never really taken the time to dig deep and do the work.” Although Lovato publicly celebrated six years of sobriety in 2018, they relapsed just a few months later.

Lovato has been in the public eye since age 15, when they starred in the Disney Channel series As The Bell Rings, as well as the movie Camp Rock. They have since come forward about how they spent their teenage years grappling with substance abuse, addiction, an eating disorder, depression, and self-inflicted harm. 

In a 2020 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Demi describes how they asked for help with their eating disorder but never received it, noting they felt “stuck” in an “unhappy position.” They acknowledged the support of their manager, Scooter Braun (who also reps Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber), who finally got them a real birthday cake after years of having a watermelon frosted with icing.  “I just remember crying because I was finally eating cake with a manager that didn’t need anything from me,” they said, “[one] that loved me for who I am and supported my journey.”

Is Mental Illness A Disability?

In Canada eating disorders and mental health disorders are considered long-term disabilities and are often referred to as “invisible illnesses” because their symptoms do not show up in tests the way that physical disabilities can.

Invisible illnesses are far more common than many realize. According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), more than two million Canadians are currently living with a mental health-related disability, and even that number does not fully reflect the scope of the issue. Pain-related conditions are the most common cause of disability for adults over the age of 25, and many of those conditions – including fibromyalgia and arthritis – may not be immediately apparent to a casual observer.

Eating Disorders, including anorexia, and binge-eating disorder, are one of the major chronic illnesses affecting Canadians, and in particular, Canadian women. Often misunderstood, many people do not understand that this is an illness that can take over one’s life, making it impossible to continue working.

According to the 2017 CSD, mental health issues were the fourth most common cause of disability overall, but they were the most common cause of disability for youth between the ages of 15 and 24. Providing an adequate support structure for Canadian youth will be vital as that population ages into the workforce, especially when long-term disability insurance is concerned.

Better reporting will also help lessen the stigma that surrounds invisible disabilities. Given the numbers, virtually every Canadian knows someone with a medical condition that in some way limits their ability to engage in everyday activities. Despite their prevalence, mental health issues are still misunderstood, and people with invisible disabilities often experience judgment and discrimination that prevents them from coming forward to ask for the help they deserve.

Long-Term Disability Insurance and Invisible Disabilities

Sadly, people with severe disabilities are far more likely to be living in poverty and to be unemployed. That shouldn’t be the case. A successful long-term disability insurance claim from an insurance provider can provide financial security and allow someone to retain their dignity and independence while dealing with a serious medical issue. 

Perhaps you or someone you care about has an eating disorder or other invisible illness and has been denied their mental health disability benefits. Canada has passed legislation to protect the rights of people with visible and invisible disabilities. It’s important to advocate for your rights, especially when you have been denied long-term disability claims. In these situations, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer. Disability insurance policies and denials can be confusing and overwhelming, and getting the help of an experienced lawyer for disability claims can make all the difference.

At Share Lawyers, we can answer any questions you may have about the process of filing a long-term disability insurance claim. Canada’s understanding of invisible disabilities is constantly evolving, and sometimes it can help to know you’re not alone!

Advocate For Yourself

On May 11, Lovato followed up with another Instagram post as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, saying, “Here’s a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help! People do not choose to develop eating disorders, and unfortunately we cannot will them away, just as we can’t will away a broken bone or a cold. And just like with a broken bone, seeking professional help is not only OK – it’s a brave step in the healing process.”

LINK TO SECOND INSTAGRAM POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/COtVUbArsQN/

If you are struggling with any type of invisible illness, fight for what’s yours: Call Share Lawyers and we will help you get the long-term disability insurance benefits you deserve.

If you have had your claim for long-term disability denied, contact the long-term disability insurance lawyers at Share Lawyers. Our experienced team of long-term disability (LTD) lawyers can help.   We have recently settled cases against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and many more. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.

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