Demi Lovato spoke out recently about eating disorders, giving a shout out to an organization that provides help to those suffering from them, as well as from additional mental illnesses. She also made mention of the fact that those with eating disorders don’t have any choice in the matter.

“Having an eating disorder doesn’t show ‘strength.’ Strength is when are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long,” she said. “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 [put] 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,” she continued.

Demi Lovato gave that shout out to @DBSAlliance, and she got lots of response via Twitter.

Mental illness can be isolating. Thanks @DBSAlliance 4 showing me the power of peer support in #mentalhealth advocacy http://t.co/9cNeN7OLCA

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) November 12, 2014

Demi made sure to end her info share with a tweet that very clearly indicated her frame of mind.

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

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) November 12, 2014

Demi Lovato has long suffered from an eating disorder. She knows firsthand the health repercussions and the stigma that is attached to the mental illness. Kudos to the ‘Heart Attack’ singer for sharing so openly everything she knows, and for helping to raise awareness about this disease that can kill.

If even one person is saved from an eating disorder because of Demi Lovato’s actions, she will no doubt feel wonderful about having worn her heart on her sleeve.