Selena Gomez, the celebrated actress and singer, has become increasingly known for her openness regarding her health battles. Initially hesitant, Gomez has publicly shared her experiences with mental health challenges and significant medical diagnoses, transforming her narrative into one of advocacy and empowerment. This transparency has not only resonated with her fans but also brought crucial awareness to often-stigmatized health conditions.
Speaking at the SXSW festival, Gomez recounted her initial reluctance to discuss her mental health publicly. “I went back and forth on whether I’d do it or not,” she admitted. However, taking the step to open up proved to be liberating. “And I think the moment I did that (open up) I felt this insane amount of release because there wasn’t any hiding anymore,” Gomez explained. This newfound openness allowed her to shed the pressure of maintaining a perfect image, alleviating considerable anxiety.
Her journey is further chronicled in her 2022 documentary, “Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me,” available on Apple TV+. This deeply personal film delves into her mental health struggles and the pressures of fame, offering an intimate look at her experiences. Reflecting on her past negative self-talk highlighted in the documentary, Gomez expressed regret. “It bums me out,” she confessed, acknowledging a feeling many can relate to. She emphasized the importance of self-compassion, a concept she admits she struggled to grasp initially. “It’s important to speak to yourself with kindness, but I don’t think I really understood that,” she stated. Interestingly, Gomez also noted a shift in perspective, expressing gratitude for aspects of her life she once complained about.
Beyond mental health, Selena Gomez has been candid about her physical health, most notably her battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. In 2015, she took a career hiatus to address anxiety and depression linked to her lupus diagnosis. This autoimmune condition led to further complications, including kidney damage, necessitating a kidney transplant in 2017. Her experiences underscore the serious and multifaceted nature of lupus.
Gomez also revealed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. While lupus is an autoimmune disease, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Both diagnoses present significant challenges, and Gomez has navigated them with remarkable resilience and openness.
Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Prevalence, and Impact
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This unpredictable condition manifests differently in individuals, ranging from mild to life-threatening. It is characterized by inflammation and pain, primarily affecting the skin and joints but potentially impacting any part of the body, including vital organs.
Key facts about lupus:
- Prevalence: Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States, 25,000 in Australia, and 5 million globally are affected by lupus.
- Gender Disparity: Lupus disproportionately affects women, with nine out of ten patients being female. Onset typically occurs between 15 and 45 years of age.
- Types of Lupus:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common type, potentially affecting any organ system, including skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
- Discoid Lupus: A milder form primarily affecting the skin.
- Causes and Triggers: The exact cause remains unknown, but genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Triggers for symptoms can include stress, sunlight exposure, infections, and certain medications.
- Diagnosis Challenges: Lupus diagnosis can be difficult due to its symptoms mimicking other conditions.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, butterfly-shaped facial rash, skin lesions worsened by sun exposure, Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers and toes changing color in cold), shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, headaches, confusion, and memory loss.
- Lupus Nephritis (Kidney Disease): A serious complication affecting up to 60% of lupus patients, potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Other Complications: Lupus-related inflammation can impact the brain, central nervous system, blood vessels, lungs, and heart, increasing the risk of infections, cancer, bone tissue collapse, and pregnancy complications.
- No Cure, but Management: While there is no cure for lupus, symptoms can be managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Selena Gomez’s openness about her lupus and bipolar disorder diagnoses, alongside her mental health advocacy, has made a significant impact. By sharing her journey, she has contributed to destigmatizing these conditions and inspiring others facing similar battles. Her willingness to discuss her “Selena Gomez Medical Diagnosis” publicly transforms her celebrity platform into a powerful tool for education and empathy.
Sources and more info: Lupus Foundation of America, Mayo Clinic, Health Direct and Lupus Association of NSW
