Demi Lovato Does Not Want to be Labeled as Bipolar

MORE: Demi Lovato on Her Mental Health Struggles: “Every Day is a Work in Progress”

However, despite being an advocate of mental illness community the former Disney star revealed she does not want it to be the only thing to define her. On Monday, the singer sat down with Elvis Duran on iHeartRadio’s Label Defiers with ZICO Coconut Water to talk about the different labels that are attached to her. “I think when people refer to me as being bipolar, it’s something that is true—I am bipolar—but I don’t like people to use it as a label,” the 24-year-old told the radio host. “It’s something that I have, it’s not who I am.”

Lovato, who has been vocal up about her battle with Bipolar since 2011 when she was diagnosed, admitted she prefers to be regarded by her accomplishments, not by her disorder. “I think Demi Lovato, activist, is something that I would really be proud of,” the brunette beauty said.

The Mexican-American singer, who celebrated five years of sobriety back in March, also revealed she has come a long way from her past dependency on drugs and alcohol. “I’m in a really, really good space,” the actress told Duran. “I’m in a place in my life where I feel like I’ve learned so much and I’m going to continue to learn. I feel like I’m just smack dab in the middle of my journey.”

In the past, the singer has used her personal struggle and road to recovery to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma about mental health issues. “I think it’s important to speak up about the things that you believe in because your voice will be heard no matter what position you’re in. And I just happen to be in a position where more people will hear my voice than they would have 10, 15 years ago. I use my voice to do more than just sing and I use it to speak up about mental health because that’s something I’m very passionate about,” the star said.

PLUS: Demi Lovato Brings Mental Health Awareness To Capital Hill

Back in April, the singer landed a spot on the coveted Time’s 100 Most Influential People thanks to her work with mental health.  Lovato was among prominent pioneers, leaders and icons, including Pope Francis and Carmen Perez, who made the list this year. Listen to the entire podcast below!