Demi Lovato and Marshmello meet their younger selves in the video for their new single “OK Not to Be OK.”
Both artists are partnering with the organization Hope for the Day, lending their voices to break down the stigma around mental health. In the clip, both Lovato and the helmeted dance star wake up in classic suburban bedrooms. A young Marshmello rolls around the yard and rides his bike through the neighborhood, while a young version of Lovato trashes her teenaged bedroom.
“It’s okay not to be okay/ It’s okay not to be okay/ When you’re down and you feel ashamed/ It’s okay not to be okay,” Lovato sings on the inspiring chorus.
September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day and September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. Marshmello also explained that the track’s emotional subject matter took on a new meaning, given that it’s being released on World Suicide Prevention Day.
“I think it’s just such an important subject,” he affirmed. “I think a lot of people, about negative feelings and negative thoughts that are affecting them are kind of scared to bring it up, scared to talk about it. When in reality, they’re scared because maybe the person won’t relate or the person won’t understand, when in reality most of time the person that you could bring it up to, will most likely has felt like this or will understand or can relate as well. So I think it’s very important to talk about it.”
If you’re struggling or are looking for support, head to Hope for the Day’s website for more information.