In a moving appearance at a mental health summit for World Mental Health Day, Selena Gomez shared powerful insights into her ongoing journey with anxiety and trauma. Known for her candor and resilience, Gomez highlighted her struggles, revealing a deeply personal glimpse into her past and present challenges. The former Disney star opened up about how her childhood fame shaped her, hinting at unresolved traumas from her early years in the entertainment industry, and described how intense pressure both fueled and exacerbated her anxiety.

Reflecting on the complex emotions tied to her Disney years and the scrutiny she faced growing up in the public eye, Gomez admitted that fame has been a double-edged sword. She discussed her battle to overcome feelings of inadequacy and anxiety that began during her time as a child star and intensified through her high-profile relationship with Justin Bieber. This relationship, she shared, became a significant source of emotional turmoil, leading her to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking to numb her pain. Over time, though, she has found strength through healthier means of healing, developing a network of supportive friends, family, and therapists who help her face the complexities of mental health every day.

Today, Gomez is one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, a level of visibility that she says has worsened her anxiety at times. “I wouldn’t want to post ever,” she reflected. This vulnerability, though, has also made her a relatable figure to millions, who see her as an icon not only for her music and acting but for her raw honesty about mental health. She revealed that even her own bedroom has become a space she associates with dark memories, prompting her to sleep elsewhere to break free from the emotional weight it holds. It’s an unusual yet powerful illustration of the lengths she’s willing to go to reclaim her peace of mind.

In her 2022 documentary, My Mind & Me, Gomez offered an even deeper look into her mental health journey, openly discussing her lupus diagnosis, kidney transplant, and the toll these physical challenges took on her mental health. She shared that she once spent days in bed, overcome with depression and a lack of motivation, a state she described as “Doomsday.” This brutal honesty has empowered fans and challenged society to confront the stigmatized issues of depression and anxiety, which affect people from all walks of life, even someone as successful as Gomez.

One of the turning points in her journey was her 2020 diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This revelation, though daunting, was a moment of clarity. With support from her inner circle, including her mother Mandy and a select group of friends, Gomez began to focus on a healthier, more balanced approach to her life. She emphasizes that she has a close-knit network that provides not only companionship but understanding—people who listen without judgment, allowing her the space to process her feelings openly. “Finding a therapist who I could speak to freely and creating an intimate group that I trust has been a lifeline,” she said.

Even as she faces ongoing struggles, Gomez’s efforts have cemented her as a powerful advocate for mental health awareness. Her message is clear: healing is a continuous journey, and there’s strength in seeking help. By sharing her story, Gomez has not only inspired fans but sparked a larger conversation about mental health, resilience, and the importance of inner peace. This transparency resonates deeply with her audience, reminding us all that it’s okay to ask for help—and that even our most cherished celebrities face battles of their own.