Selena Gomez, the pop sensation, actress, and producer, has long been in the spotlight, admired for her talent and grace. Yet, behind her global fame lies a story of resilience against mental health challenges. Over the years, Selena has battled anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Despite these struggles, she has courageously opened up about her mental health journey, encouraging others to seek help and prioritize their well-being. Selena Gomez – Anxiety Depression & Bipolar Disorder
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Selena Gomez’s anxiety Depression & Bipolar Disorder mental health challenges, from her diagnosis to the steps she took to overcome them, her inspiring message to other survivors, and the powerful quotes that encapsulate her journey. (Source)
Introduction: The Weight of Fame and Health Issues
Selena Gomez rose to fame at a young age, starring in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place before transitioning to a successful music career. However, as her fame grew, so did the pressures. Alongside the typical challenges of stardom, Selena’s personal struggles, including her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease, took a heavy toll on her mental health.
In recent years, Selena has been candid about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, speaking out to normalize mental health conversations and destigmatize these conditions.
Her Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression
Selena’s mental health issues first became apparent during the height of her career. As she faced both personal and professional challenges, including her health issues related to lupus and public scrutiny, she began experiencing anxiety and depression. The emotional strain was compounded by her lupus diagnosis, which caused intense physical and emotional stress.
In 2016, Selena took a hiatus from her Revival tour to focus on her mental health, explaining that she was dealing with panic attacks and severe depression. After years of emotional highs and lows, she sought professional help, which led to a significant revelation. In 2020, Selena was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This diagnosis gave her clarity and a deeper understanding of her emotional struggles.
Speaking to Miley Cyrus on the Instagram series Bright Minded, Selena shared:
“I went to one of the best mental hospitals in America… and I discussed that after years of going through a lot of different things, I realized that I was bipolar.” (Source)
Image Source: Jennifer Zambrano from Denver, CO, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Selena Gomez – Anxiety Depression & Bipolar Disorder Treatment: The Road to Recovery
Selena Gomez’s path to healing has been a combination of therapy, medication, self-care practices, and building a strong support system.
- Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Selena has been a vocal advocate for therapy, specifically Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which she credits with changing her life. DBT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment designed to help individuals manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors.She explained, “DBT completely changed my life. I wish more people would talk about therapy.” Therapy helped her better understand and manage her emotional ups and downs, giving her tools to cope with her anxiety and depression.
- Medication: After her bipolar diagnosis, Selena started taking medication to stabilize her moods. She has spoken about how medication has played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her manage her emotions and mental health more effectively. She shared that finding the right treatment regimen took time but was essential for her well-being.
- Lupus and Its Role in Mental Health: Selena’s physical health also played a critical role in her mental health journey. In 2017, she underwent a kidney transplant due to lupus complications. The stress of dealing with a chronic illness significantly contributed to her anxiety and depression. Managing her physical health became a priority, as it directly impacted her mental well-being.
- Social Media Breaks: To protect her mental health, Selena has taken extended breaks from social media, a move that she says has helped her feel more grounded. As one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, the pressure and scrutiny from social media took a toll on her mental health. By stepping away from the platform, she was able to focus on her recovery without constant public attention.
- Support from Loved Ones: Throughout her journey, Selena has leaned on her close friends and family for support. She often speaks about the importance of having a strong support network during difficult times. Her friends, particularly Francia Raisa, who donated a kidney to her, have been vital in her recovery. (Source)
Selena’s Message to Survivors
Selena Gomez’s candidness about her mental health struggles has resonated with millions of people around the world. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and to inspire others to prioritize their well-being. In 2020, she launched the Rare Impact Fund through her beauty brand Rare Beauty, aiming to raise $100 million over the next decade to provide mental health services, particularly for underserved communities.
Selena’s message to those battling mental health issues is clear: seek help, talk openly, and understand that you are not alone. She has emphasized that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that no one should be ashamed of their mental health struggles. Source)
“You are enough, and you are not alone.”
This powerful message encapsulates Selena’s journey, reminding others that it’s okay to not be okay, and that healing is possible with the right support.
Selena’s Powerful Quotes on Mental Health
Selena has been open about the importance of mental health awareness, sharing insights that have inspired many:
- “When I got to know more information, it actually helps me. It doesn’t scare me once I know it.”
- On how understanding her bipolar disorder diagnosis helped her regain control.
- “I had to stop because I had everything, and I was absolutely broken inside.”
- On taking a break from her career to focus on her mental health.
- “It has been something that I’ve been dealing with for more than five years, and I have found that anxiety, panic attacks, and depression can be side effects of lupus.”
- On how her physical illness and mental health were interconnected.
- “If you are broken, you do not have to stay broken.”
- Encouraging others to seek help and heal from mental health issues.
Conclusion: Selena Gomez – Anxiety Depression & Bipolar Disorder
Selena Gomez’s journey with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder is a story of resilience and strength. Despite the immense pressure of fame and personal struggles, Selena has emerged as a mental health advocate, encouraging others to seek help and prioritize their well-being. Through therapy, medication, and the support of loved ones, she has managed to regain control of her life and use her platform to inspire millions.
Her openness has broken barriers, reminding us all that mental health matters, and that recovery is possible with the right resources and support.