Selena Gomez on bipolar disorder: “I shared my story to help, I didn’t want to be seen as a victim”

Selena Gomez has been vocal about her mental health journey. In a recent interview with Billboard Español, the singer—who disclosed her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2022—discussed her commitment to raising awareness about mental health. Despite the challenges of speaking out, Gomez expressed her desire to help others through her experiences.

“I think it’s vital to discuss issues that matter to you, famous or not,” Gomez stated, as she prepares to receive the Woman of the Year award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music on May 1. She acknowledged that sharing intimate details can be daunting, noting, “It’s not for the faint-hearted; you put yourself out there, and there will be plenty of criticism simply for choosing to speak up,” she stressed.

Gomez reflected on the initial moment she decided to share her story with the world and the fear that accompanied it. “It was terrifying to be so exposed, and I never wanted anyone to see me as a victim. I believed that by opening up about my experience, I could help others. I am willing to face any negativity that follows because I recognize the broader impact this conversation around mental health is having,” she said deeply.

Consistently addressing her mental health, Gomez organized the third annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit in May 2023. Later that year, she hosted the inaugural event for the Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Hollywood, which aimed to gather funds for organizations dedicated to youth mental health.

During her address at the event, Gomez shared that her engagement with mental health advocacy stemmed from challenging personal experiences. “For a long time, I battled with my inner self, feeling lost and hopeless. In 2020, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and everything shifted rapidly,” she explained. “I found the knowledge and answers I had long been seeking. Understanding my condition has made me more aware, and I no longer fear as I once did,” she added.

The 2022 documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me provided a comprehensive look at her mental health struggles, highlighting both the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved on her path to acceptance and personal growth.