US singer and actress Demi Lovato has helped launch the Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health initiative, which is encouraging people to 'speak up' and help advance mental health in America.

Lovato, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011, commented 'Over time, I've learned to live well with bipolar disorder, but for me, the key is speaking up and being open and honest about how I'm feeling with my family, friends and health care professionals. Through Be Vocal, we want to help others speak up as part of their own effort to live well and in support of the mental health community'.