Selena Gomez wants people struggling with their mental health to know they’re “not alone”.
The 28-year-old singer has battled with depression and anxiety in the past and recently came forward to reveal she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and has said she wants to use her platform to help others in a similar position by offering them someone to talk to.
Selena spoke as she admitted her makeup brand, Rare Beauty, would never have launched if she hadn’t gone through the process of learning to love herself.
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She explained: “I don’t feel like Rare Beauty would have been [possible] three or four years ago. I understand now how it feels to be on the other side, comparing myself or thinking I need to look more like this or more like that to fit in.
“It can take a toll on you, for sure. We’re not all a certain way, and we’re not meant to be. It’s fair to say that I am 1000 per cent on the journey with the consumers. It’s not easy for everybody, and I want people to know they’re not alone.”
The ‘Ice Cream’ hitmaker also spoke about “dealing with racism” when she was younger as a result of her Mexican heritage, which she said influenced her decision to vote for the first time in the recent US election.
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Selena said she felt as though it was her “duty” to head to the polls last month to vote, and at the time, she also used her platform to encourage others to do the same.
Speaking to People magazine as part of the publication’s ‘People of the Year’ issue, she said: “I’ve had a sliver of dealing with [racism] growing up, especially with my dad [who is Mexican]. When it came to telling people to vote, I felt like it was my duty. Witnessing strong women who have walked journeys that I couldn’t imagine walking was such a pinch-me moment, and I’m just very grateful.”
