Selena Gomez often makes headlines. The pop singer has her own makeup brand, stars in movies and TV series and releases music. However, she also shares information about her mental health challenges. Here’s what we know about Selena Gomez’s struggles with depression and anxiety.
Selena Gomez’s Depression and Mental Health: What She Has Shared
Selena Gomez’s mental health has often been the subject of interviews. She frequently shares her experiences with therapy, medication and other aspects.
In 2013, doctors diagnosed Selena with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain. The diagnosis led her to focus on both her physical and mental health. She kept her fans in the loop by sharing, “As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have Lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways. I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of Lupus, which can present their own challenges. … I know I am not alone and by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”
Her challenges extended beyond health problems, however. Being young, famous and constantly in the spotlight created a lot of pressure. It all came to a head when Selena started her 2016 music tour. “My self-esteem was shot. I was depressed, anxious. I started to have panic attacks right before getting on stage, or right after leaving the stage.”
After 55 performances, she canceled her tour to prioritize her health. Selena recognized she was having a difficult time and immediately sought help. The singer spent 90 days in a treatment center in Tennessee, where she took part in individual therapy, group therapy and equine or horse therapy.
Selena has entered a rehabilitation program for mental health treatment more than once: “I’m going to be very open with everybody about this: I’ve been to four treatment centers.”
The pop star revealed that in 2018, she experienced an episode of psychosis and spent several months in a paranoid state, unable to trust anyone. This caused her to go searching for answers, and doctors diagnosed her with bipolar disorder in 2020. This serious mental health condition, which involves swings between depression and an elevated mood called mania, affects approximately 2.8% of American adults.
Living With Mental Health Conditions in the Public Eye
Today, Selena continues a combination of therapy and medication to keep her mental health conditions in check and be the best version of herself. She views her mental health treatment as an ongoing commitment. In a 2018 interview, she said, “Anyone who knows me knows I will always start with my health and my well-being. I’ve had a lot of issues with depression and anxiety, and I’ve been very vocal about it, but it’s not something I feel I’ll ever overcome. … I think it’s a battle I’m gonna have to face for the rest of my life, and I’m OK with that because I know that I’m choosing myself over anything else.”
Reducing Stigma Through Celebrity Openness
Celebrity mental health advocacy makes a difference, and that’s why Selena Gomez remains open about her struggles.
“I remember when I decided to be open about my own personal mental health, it was scary to be that vulnerable and I didn’t ever want anyone to think I am a victim. I thought by sharing my own story I could help others, and I will take any negative opinions that come with that because I see the bigger picture of how the conversations have changed around mental health.”
In 2022, she released a documentary about her life and mental health journey titled Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me. Recorded over several years, the documentary was raw and showed intimate footage of the singer breaking down and struggling.
It was so personal that Selena almost decided not to release the film, saying, “Because I have the platform I have, it’s kind of like I’m sacrificing myself a little bit for a greater purpose. I don’t want that to sound dramatic, but I almost wasn’t going to put this out. God’s honest truth, a few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure I could do it.” However, she ultimately chose to release it in the hope that her transparency would help others.
What We Can Learn From Selena Gomez’s Candor
Selena Gomez has battled depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and panic attacks. Despite everything she’s been through, she knows it’s essential to seek help. The singer has explored therapy, medication and treatment programs when she needed support. This proactive approach has helped her become healthier, happier and more successful.
Professional Insight: Why Early Intervention Matters
Selena has prioritized her mental health for many years now, and her story highlights the benefits a person can gain by seeking help early on. When she suffered her psychotic episode, she knew something was wrong. Because she sought professional help, she was able to get a diagnosis and treat her condition, which has allowed her to manage her symptoms.
Selena’s story is an excellent example of why seeking answers early is so important. The symptoms of some conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can worsen if left untreated, making early intervention even more critical.
Contact Restore Mental Health
If you’re ready to prioritize your mental health, Restore can help. We offer several treatment programs so you can find the exact level of care you need. A better life is within reach — contact us today to learn more.
