Selena Gomez has shared more insights about her mental health challenges, including the poignant reason she avoids sleeping in her bedroom.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, the singer and actress joined her mom, Mandy Teefey, and social worker Minaa B for a keynote address at Wondermind’s Mental Fitness Summit.
During her speech, Gomez discussed her struggles with mental health, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
She revealed that after years of isolating herself, she now relies on a close-knit community she has fostered for support.
She expressed: “I don’t have a lot of people in my life, [but] I know who my inner circle is.
“I have to talk things out. And I have a therapist too, but it’s also nice to have people around you who will just listen to you. There is a freedom in letting go of whatever it is that’s keeping you stuck and that lump in your throat.”
During a panel session, Gomez shared her coping strategies for overwhelming moments and explained why she avoids her bedroom.
She explained: “I am a very anxious person.
“It’s kind of like doomsday, and I think having a positive conversation with yourself, even if that sounds weird, it’s really impactful. Like before I step out of the car, and there’s going to be lots of noises and stuff—if that’s the case, I’m not saying that’s every day—but I have to breathe, and I have to say, ‘All of this is a gift, and I may not be in the mood for this, [but] every time I see someone and end up making them smile, [it] always just makes my day no matter how I’m feeling.’”
She also referred to her documentary, My Mind and Me, which delves into her mental health battles, explaining why the bedroom is no longer a refuge for her.
She said: “I’m a little bit different than my mom, because I spent too much time in my bedroom that I actually don’t even sleep in my bedroom anymore, because I associate it with such a really dark time.”
She continued: “Being anxious is so debilitating sometimes, and yeah, I didn’t want to leave my bed for years, and part of it was I wasn’t doing the work. And you have to believe in yourself to do the work that will truly enlighten you a little bit.”
Gomez also shared how she takes breaks from social media for her mental well-being and has learned ‘to stop trying to defend myself’, recognizing that ‘I should not be apologetic for being honest, for saying I’m not good, and that’s not nice what you said’.
She remarked: “You know, my mom has always taught me that the noise is going to be there constantly, but it’s about finding that moment where I actually physically say, ‘No, I am a good person, I’m kind, I work really hard, and I’m grateful, and I love all the little things in life,’ and I need that reminder. I’m not going to lie, it kind of hurts.
“I’m definitely not one of the people who can kind of ignore it. It’s just too—I’m just speaking on my generation’s behalf because it’s wild how inhumane people can be with their words and things they would probably never say in person either. It just hurts.”