Selena Gomez has spoken multiple times about her mental health. In a recent interview with Billboard Español, the singer, who revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, made another reference and explained why she continues to fight for awareness around mental health issues. Although it wasn’t easy for her to speak publicly, Gomez confessed that she did it in hopes of helping others.

“At the end of the day, I believe it’s important to talk about issues that concern you, whether you’re famous or not,” Gomez stated, who is set to be honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Latin Women in Music on May 1. However, she admitted that speaking publicly about such personal issues is not easy. “It’s not for the faint-hearted because you expose yourself and there will be many opinions against you just because you dared to say something,” she emphasized.

Gomez recalled the first time she decided to share her personal journey with the world and the fear she felt at that moment. “It was terrifying to be so vulnerable, and I never wanted anyone to think of me as a victim. I thought that by sharing my own story, I could help others, and I will accept every negative opinion that comes with it because I see the bigger picture, how the conversation around mental health has changed,” she said notably.

Gomez has repeatedly addressed her mental health status, and in May 2023, she organized the third annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit. In October of the same year, she hosted the first event for the Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Hollywood, aimed at raising funds for organizations supporting youth mental health.

During her speech at the event, Gomez revealed that her involvement with the issue arose from very difficult personal moments. “I struggled with my inner world for a long time. I felt lost and hopeless. In 2020, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. And to be honest, everything changed very quickly,” she noted. “I received the knowledge and answers I had been desperately searching for for years. Understanding this condition made me more aware, and I now fear less than I used to,” she added.

In 2022, the documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me gave an in-depth look at her struggle with mental health, focusing on both the challenges and victories she achieved on her journey towards acceptance and personal growth.