The Singer and Actress Reflects on the Courage to Share Her Struggles with Bipolar Disorder, Advocating for Change in Mental Health Conversations
In 2020, Selena Gomez shared a deeply personal revelation with the world: she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It wasn’t an easy decision for the singer and actress, known for her resilience and vulnerability. In a candid conversation with Billboard Español on April 24, 2025, Gomez opened up about the emotional toll of speaking out on mental health — and why she believes it’s worth it.
“It’s not for the faint of heart,” Gomez admits, acknowledging the risk of exposing oneself to public scrutiny. The 32-year-old star, who will be honored as Woman of the Year at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event on May 1, said, “At the end of the day, I believe it matters to be vocal about issues that matter to you, whether you are famous or not.” Yet, sharing her mental health journey, she notes, exposes one to opinions, both positive and negative, from the public. Despite this, Gomez remains steadfast in her mission to destigmatize mental health conversations.
The singer, known for hits like “Lose You to Love Me,” recalled the fear she felt when first sharing her diagnosis with the world. “It was scary to be that vulnerable,” she admits, “and I didn’t ever want anyone to think I am a victim.” However, as the conversation around mental health evolved, Gomez realized the power her story could have. “By sharing my own story, I could help others,” she explains. “I will take any negative opinions that come with that because I see the bigger picture of how the conversations have changed around mental health.”
Gomez’s openness about her struggles has extended beyond interviews and social media. In May 2023, she hosted the third-annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit, underscoring her commitment to raising awareness. Later that year, in October 2023, Gomez organized the inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit, an event dedicated to supporting youth mental health organizations. “Getting involved stemmed from some of the darkest moments in my life,” she shared at the benefit, revealing how her own mental health struggles led her to give back and make a difference.
For Gomez, the journey of understanding her mental health was transformative. “I struggled with the world inside my head for a long time, and I felt lost and hopeless at times,” she confides. “And in 2020, I received my diagnosis of bipolar disorder. And to be honest, everything quickly changed. I actually got the knowledge and the answers that I had been desperate for for so long.” With this newfound understanding, Gomez says she feels more in control and less afraid of her condition than before.
Her 2022 documentary, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, further chronicles her mental health journey, offering a raw and authentic look at the setbacks and triumphs she has faced. By sharing her story, Gomez hopes to continue breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging others to seek help and speak up when they’re struggling.
Selena Gomez’s vulnerability continues to inspire millions, proving that, despite the challenges, there is strength in sharing one’s truth. In doing so, she not only promotes her own healing but helps spark a broader societal shift in the way we talk about mental health.
