Famous pop musician and actress, Selena Gomez, has reportedly just finished a two-week treatment at a mental health facility in New York City.
According to sources, the last year was rough for the Gomez, as she battled against lupus and underwent a kidney transplant, as well as facing the “anxiety, panic attacks, and depression,” she has said are side effects of lupus. Deciding to take care of her own well-being, the “Bad Liar” singer checked herself into a facility for two weeks.
In regards to this news, there has been an outpouring of support for Gomez, not only from her friends and family but her fans as well. Living in a world where those who face mental health issues are stigmatized, shamed, and not taken seriously, it’s vital that we as a society support those who are brave enough to ask for help and tackle their mental health issues. Our mental health is just as important to our well-being as our physical health and just as Gomez received surgery for her kidney, she knew she needed to receive help for her depression.
Growing up a Disney star, Gomez has been subject to the spotlight and pressures of fame from a young age. We’ve seen the negative ramifications this can have on similar stars, most of whom did not receive the help and treatment they needed. Whether this was because heir celebrity status prevented them from doing so or because they felt ashamed to say they needed help, these stars went on to have large fallouts, including drug addiction or even suicide attempts.
But this trend doesn’t have to continue.Gomez’s bravery and openness about getting the help she needed will hopefully encourage anyone, regardless of age or celebrity status, to feel more confident in admitting they need help and looking for the tools to get it. It’s up to us as a society to erase the stigmas and shame towards mental health and start teaching understanding and compassion, as well as awareness.
As for Gomez, she is reportedly in a great place after her treatment and knows that should she need it in the future, she won’t hesitate to return to the facility. Her honesty and bravery will hopefully serve to empower others to speak out and get the help they need as well.