Selena Gomez has been open about her health struggles, including being diagnosed with lupus in 2013. She revealed her diagnosis in 2015 and talked about undergoing chemotherapy as part of her treatment. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. Gomez has not specified which type of lupus she has, but she has experienced symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and more. The singer has also spoken about how lupus can impact mental health, leading to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
In 2017, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant as a result of her lupus. She shared the news on her Instagram, thanking her friend Francia Raisa for donating her kidney. The transplant helped put her lupus into remission for a period of time, but she experienced a flare-up in 2020. Gomez mentioned that the physical pain she was experiencing was affecting her mental health, causing her to have bad dreams about her past and leading to feelings of depression. She shared her struggles with a documentary, opening up about her mental health treatment journey.
Gomez has also been candid about entering mental health treatment facilities to address anxiety, panic attacks, and depression related to her lupus. She took a break from her tour in 2016 to focus on her mental health and later entered a treatment facility in 2018 after a mental breakdown. She has acknowledged the challenges of living with mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. In a 2020 interview, she revealed her bipolar diagnosis and discussed how understanding her condition has helped her manage her mental health.
Throughout her career, Gomez has faced body image struggles and has been body-shamed by the public. She has spoken out against the negative comments and set boundaries on social media to protect her mental well-being. Despite the criticism, Gomez has embraced her body and shared empowering messages about self-acceptance. She has reflected on her journey with body image and expressed pride in accepting herself as she is. Gomez continues to advocate for mental health awareness and self-love, inspiring others to prioritize their well-being.