Selena Gomez recently discussed her journey with mental health and chronic illness, revealing she no longer fears being labeled by her diagnoses of bipolar disorder and lupus. The 31-year-old singer and actress shared this during an appearance on Hoda Kotb’s podcast "Making Space," alongside U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental illness.
During the podcast, Gomez expressed a sense of 'freedom' in sharing her personal story. She described herself as a 'loving' and 'caring' person committed to making a positive impact. Gomez highlighted that claiming and telling her own story has empowered her, turning previously daunting labels into symbols of her journey and resilience.
The discussion coincided with Gomez hosting her third annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit, where she announced that her company had raised $7 million for mental health initiatives through the Rare Impact Fund. The event, aimed at fostering mental health awareness and support, left Gomez feeling inspired and hopeful.
Gomez first publicly disclosed her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2020, during an Instagram Live series with Miley Cyrus. She described initially feeling 'terrified and relieved' upon receiving the diagnosis, which provided long-sought answers to her struggles with depression and anxiety. In previous interviews, Gomez has been open about her mental health struggles, including her experience with lupus, which led to a kidney transplant in 2017.
Gomez's advocacy for mental health stems from her own experiences and the belief that sharing her story can help others. Her commitment to raising awareness and funds reflects her dedication to supporting those facing similar challenges.