Singer, actress, and entrepreneur Selena Gomez first captured hearts as the quick-witted Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s The Wizards of Waverly Place and later expanded her reach with a thriving music career. Behind the spotlight, however, her journey has been one of remarkable resilience.
In interviews, social media posts, and the documentary My Mind & Me, Selena has shared the highs and lows of her health journey. In 2014, she was diagnosed with lupus—a chronic autoimmune disease. In 2017, she underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. In 2018, she sought treatment for anxiety and depression. Today, she’s finding ways to thrive—breaking the stigma around mental health and offering hope to anyone facing similar challenges.
Lesson 1: Seek Professional Help
Selena has been candid about her experiences with therapy and treatment, crediting professionals for helping her navigate both lupus and mental health challenges. In a 2017 interview with Vogue, she shared how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) played a crucial role in her mental health journey.
“DBT has completely changed my life,” she said. “I wish more people would talk about therapy. We girls, we’re taught to be almost too resilient, to be strong and sexy and cool and laid-back, the girl who’s down. We also need to feel allowed to fall apart.”
Lesson 2: Build a Strong Support System
Another lesson from Selena’s life is the value of a strong support system. Whether it’s her close-knit family, loyal friends, or supportive fans, Selena credits her success to leaning on her community during tough times.
Following her kidney transplant, Selena expressed gratitude to her friend Francia Raisa. An actress known for her roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Grown-ish, and How I Met Your Father, Francia was Selena’s kidney donor in 2017 and has been a constant source of support during Selena’s personal and professional challenges. In 2019, the pair got matching tattoos to represent all they’ve been through together.
You don’t have to face your challenges alone. Reach out to people who care about you, whether they’re family, friends, or members of a support group. There may not be an easy solution to what you’re facing, but having someone around to listen can still help lighten your load.
Lesson 3: Prioritize Self-Care
When speaking to her fans, Selena often emphasizes the importance of self-care—from taking breaks for her mental health to making lifestyle adjustments to manage lupus.
Self-care is an essential part of managing chronic medical conditions as well as your mental health. Make time for small, consistent actions you can take to support your well-being, such as:
- Establishing a bedtime routine so you get the rest your body needs
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress
- Eating healthy foods that fuel your body and mind
- Finding an exercise routine that works for your unique needs
- Scheduling regular medical checkups and mental health appointments
Self-care isn’t selfish. Even if you’re a busy parent with young children at home, making time for self-care helps you be the best possible version of yourself—which allows you to better support the people you care about.
Lesson 4: Set Healthy Boundaries
Living in the public eye for most of her life, Selena has had to learn the importance of boundaries to protect her mental and physical health. She’s taken breaks from social media, stepped away from work when needed, and said no to projects that didn’t align with her well-being.
Healthy boundaries look different for everyone, but here are some ideas to consider:
- Saying no to commitments that drain your energy
- Including regular breaks in your day-to-day routine to preserve both your physical and mental energy
- Limiting your exposure to situations you find stressful
- Communicating your needs clearly to those around you, whether you need help with your chronic illness or your mental health
- Asking people to refrain from providing unsolicited health advice
Lesson 5: Find Your Purpose
Despite her health challenges, Selena continues to channel her energy into meaningful projects. For example, she used her cosmetic company, Rare Beauty, to create the Rare Impact Fund, which is committed to raising $100 million over the next ten years to help young people gain access to mental health resources.
On the Rare Impact Fund website, Selena writes, “Every day isn’t perfect—not for me, not for anyone. And too many people don’t have access to the mental health resources and education they need. That’s why I started the Rare Impact Fund. It’s a commitment to expand access to mental health services and education for young people everywhere. Because no one—regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or background—should struggle alone.”
Your purpose doesn’t have to be something as grand as starting a foundation. Maybe you could find your purpose by mentoring an at-risk child, volunteering at a local food pantry, or planting flowers for a community beautification project. Or maybe you’d like to start your own business, go back to school, or pursue a personal passion. The sky’s the limit.
Lesson 6: Practice Gratitude
Selena often speaks about gratitude, even in the face of hardship. Gratitude doesn’t erase struggles, but it can shift your perspective and help you find moments of joy amid challenges. “I realize everybody wants what they don’t have,” Selena said. “But at the end of the day, what you have inside is much more beautiful than what’s on the outside!”
Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Over time, this gratitude practice can help reframe your mindset and bring light to even the toughest days
Let Us Help You Take the First Step Toward Healing
It’s okay to have bad days, to feel overwhelmed, and to ask for help. What matters most is that you keep moving forward—even if it’s just one small step at a time.
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health in Garner, North Carolina, we’re committed to helping you navigate your path to wellness. Request a free, confidential assessment today or call us to discuss how we can best support you on your journey toward a brighter future.