Demi Lovato shows concern at mental illness 'epidemic'

Demi Lovato believes people's ignorance is causing a growing "epidemic" of mental health sufferers.

The singer has previously battled with an eating disorder and she took to Twitter on Wednesday (November 12) to speak about the matter.

She wrote: "Having an eating disorder doesn't show 'strength.' Strength is when [you] are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long.

"There's a wide misconception that anorexia and/or bulimia is a choice and you often hear people say things like 'why doesn't she just start eating?' Or even 'just stop throwing up.' It's the ignorance and lack of education on mental illnesses that continues to but mental health care on the back burner to congress even though this is an epidemic that is sweeping our nation, and causing more and more tragedy every day (sic).

"Eating disorders do not discriminate.. Neither does any other mental illness. These are deadly diseases that are taking lives daily. It's time we start taking mental illness as serious as physical illnesses. Btw this isn't a rant, just a reminder for everyone out there who may not know the severity of these deadly diseases. No hate here."

Watch Demi Lovato in action below: