Demi Lovato raises awareness about mental illness

Demi Lovato, who has always been upfront about her struggles with bipolar disorder, is raising money for her Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program.
The 22-year-old singer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011, reported People magazine.
"Mental illness can affect anyone, and although help is available, it often goes untreated. This holiday season, I'm so excited to raise awareness to a cause that is close to my heart by inspiring others to seek the help that they need and encouraging folks to give back to those who can't afford treatment," she said.
In a video posted to her Facebook page, Lovato, 22, tells fans that she decided to start the scholarship organization for her father, Patrick, who died in 2013.

"That program came about when I lost my birth father. He suffered from mental illness. I believe that it was actually bipolar-schizophrenic, and he didn't have the resources that he needed to get help," says Lovato, who hopes the organization will also start conversations and tackle stigmas associated with mental illness.