Hollywood Popular Artists

Jun 6th 2013, 18:55

Demi Lovato often speaks candidly about her mental health conditions, but the 20-year-old star recently opened up about feeling hopeless and having thoughts of suicide at a young age.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Demi explained that she began having suicidal thoughts at the age of seven, and even had to sign an anti-suicide contract.  "The principal called my parents and made me sign this suicide contract saying that I would not kill myself," she told the mag. "They weren't expecting that so young."

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and the third leading cause among all people aged 15-24. At some point, almost 10% of all college students seriously contemplate it! Here's what to do if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.

+ Tell Somebody

If you or someone you know has thoughts or makes threats of suicide, get help immediately. Tell someone you trust, contact a mental health professional, call your school's emergency number, or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7 aid and resources. And don't wait until it's too late. Warning signs like rage, hopelessness, isolation, or anything out of the ordinary for someone's character are reason enough to seek help.

+ Be A Good Friend, Surrounded By Good Friends

If you know people who are hurting or witness people being hurt, help them. Give a hug, lend an ear, tell a bully to stop, or offer useful outside resources like mtvU and The Jed Foundation's Half Of Us. And remember to surround yourself with good people who are positive influences in your life. In an interview with Company magazine, Demi explained the key role her true friends played in her recovery. "If I break my leg in the middle of the night, they'll come to the hospital with me," she said. "Or they'll answer the phone at 4 am if I need them."

+ Love Is Louder

We all feel alone sometimes, but we're not. Join the Love Is Louder movement to join the hundreds of thousands of young people who have come together to show love for anyone who feels mistreated, misunderstood, or alone. Write "Love Is Louder" on your hands and post it to social media to show your friends that you are willing to give and receive love in times of need.

Learn more about Demi's story and how you can get help by taking action below.

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