Demi Lovato says overdose was linked to 'ignoring their truth' as being non-binary

Demi Lovato has suggested that their overdose was connected to them 'ignoring their truth.'

The 28-year-old musician, who today revealed they identify as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, opened up about how they had struggled with their identity in the past.

In a candid podcast with Alok Vaid-Menon, that was recorded for 4D with Demi Lovato, the artist explained that they had 'suppressed their truth' in the past in order to conform to social expectations.

In 2018, Demi suffered three strokes and a heart attack and narrowly survived after suffering from an overdose.

They admitted in today's podcast that it had proved as a lesson to always live their truth.

Demi Lovato revealed today that they identify as non-binary (Instagram)

"In 2018, when I overdosed, I feel like the reason that happened because I was ignoring my truth," Demi said.

They went on: "I was suppressing who I really am in order to please stylists, or team members or even fans that wanted me to be the sexy feminine pop star in the leotard and look a certain way.

"Now I just realise that it's much more important to live your truth than to ever suppress yourself because that's the type of stuff that happens when you do."

The singer spoke to Alok Vaid-Menon and credited them with being hugely supportive about the decision (demilovato/Youtube)

Demi was joined by Alok Vaid-Menon as they opened up about the topic of non-binary identity (demilovato/Youtube)

Later in the empowering podcast, Demi addressed their critics and suggested that they cannot afford to suppress their true self any longer.

Demi said: "I could leave my career today. I'm still going to identity as non-binary tomorrow. For the first time in my life, I'm putting my wellbeing over my career and that's the difference in somebody I guess doing something for attention vs speaking your truth."

"I can't shove it down or suppress it any longer or I'll end up where I did a few years ago. And I never want to end up there again."

Alok Vaid-Menon is an author and performer as well as an important voice within the non-binary community (Getty Images for Shorty Awards)

Demi Lovato has been inundated with supportive messages after making their announcement (Getty Images)

Demi has been widely praised as they announced on social media that they will officially be changing their pronouns and as a result 'feel more authentic and true as a person.'

The star is hoping to use their podcast as a platform to discuss difficult topics and support others in finding their truths.

*4D with Demi is produced by OBB Sound.

*If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk