Selena Gomez, a 31-year-old pop star, opened up about her health conditions in an interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. She has been candid about her struggles with lupus, an autoimmune disease that she was diagnosed with in 2013. Lupus can affect various parts of the body and can be treated with chemotherapy in severe cases. Gomez also underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 as a result of her lupus.
Apart from her physical health, Gomez has also been open about her mental health issues, which she says are partly caused by her lupus. She has spoken about experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, which led her to enter mental health treatment facilities multiple times. In 2016, she took a break from her tour to focus on her mental health. In 2018, she entered a treatment facility again due to anxiety and depression. Her struggles with mental health have been documented in her AppleTV+ documentary.
In 2020, Gomez revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She shared this information during an interview with Miley Cyrus on Instagram. She expressed that knowing about her diagnosis helped her understand herself better and alleviate some fears. She credited medication with helping her manage her mental health issues. She has also spoken about her body image struggles, noting that she has been body-shamed over the years due to fluctuations in her weight caused by her health conditions.
Gomez has been vocal about the importance of setting boundaries, especially on social media, where she has a large following. She disabled comments on her Instagram photos to create a more positive space for herself. Despite facing criticism and negativity online, she has focused on embracing her authentic self and being proud of who she is. She reflected on her body image journey in a recent Instagram post, acknowledging that she may never look the same as she did in the past but being proud of herself nonetheless.
Throughout her journey with lupus, mental health struggles, and body image issues, Gomez has emphasized the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed. She has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues and encourage others to prioritize their well-being. Despite the challenges she has faced, Gomez remains committed to working on her mental and physical health, evolving as a person, and living each day to the fullest.
