Selena Gomez, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, has been candid about her health battles, both physical and mental.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone and the premiere of her new Apple TV+ documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me,” she delves deeper into her personal struggles.
In anticipation of her documentary’s release on Friday, Rolling Stone featured an insightful conversation with Gomez, where she recounts her mental health challenges during her twenties prior to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
This condition, characterized by significant mood swings, energy shifts, and altered thought processes, as described by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, had a profound impact on Gomez’s well-being.
Revealing her vulnerability, Gomez disclosed to Rolling Stone, “I’ve been to four treatment centers.”
She shared that as she entered her early twenties, she felt a profound sense of darkness creeping in, losing control over her emotions, whether they were overwhelmingly positive or distressingly negative.
The organization further explains that individuals with bipolar disorder often experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression) that deviate from the ordinary fluctuations in mood observed in most people.
During her periods of mania, Gomez felt compelled to share her affluence with those around her, even feeling convinced at one point that she needed to purchase cars for everyone.
Conversely, her depressive episodes would lead to isolation and an inability to even get out of bed, causing her to withdraw from loved ones.
For years, thoughts of suicide plagued Gomez’s mind, although she never acted upon them.
It was not until she reached her mid-twenties in 2018 that she began hearing voices, signaling the onset of psychosis.
Following a stint in a treatment facility, she gradually emerged from this state and received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Despite the diagnosis, Gomez’s battle was far from over.
The medications she was prescribed left her feeling disconnected from herself, recounting, “There was no part of me that was there anymore.”
It was only through perseverance and diligent effort that she found a path to acceptance and management of her condition.
Her journey, alongside other personal experiences, is captured in her latest documentary, “Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me.”
While she chose not to watch the film during its Apple+ screening, she closely observed the emotional impact it had on the audience, motivating her to continue sharing her story in the hope of inspiring others.
Reflecting on the profound effect her documentary had, Gomez expressed her desire to make a difference in someone’s life, emphasizing the power of storytelling in creating connections and fostering understanding.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
For additional mental health resources and support, contact The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
ET at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at info@nami.org.
