On October 10, actor-singer Selena Gomez attended Wondermind’s Mental Fitness Summit. She was joined by her mother Mandy Teefey and certified social worker Minaa B. The former Disney star discussed her struggle with mental health at a panel, revealing that she spent years isolating herself.
As per Elle magazine, the panel asked Gomez about the best ways to care for oneself when someone is depressed and afraid to get out of bed. In response, the Wizards of Waverly Place actor said:
“I spent too much time in my bedroom that I actually don’t even sleep in my bedroom anymore because I associate it with such a really dark time. Being anxious is so debilitating sometimes, and yeah, I didn’t want to leave my bed for years, and part of it was I wasn’t doing the work.”
This isn’t the first time Gomez talked about having a negative association with her bedroom. Last year she attended the Universal Music Group and Thrive Global’s Music & Health Conference and had an open discussion about her mental health journey, the pressure of having a huge social media following, and her apprehensions about the growing use of AI.
At some point during the conversation with Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge and Thrive Global CEO Arianna Huffington, Gomez shared:
“I try to stay out of my bedroom. Bedrooms are real trigger for me. When I was going through psychosis and going through that whole period of my life, it was my bed that I was stuck to. So I try to leave my room and surround myself, even just with one person — and they can be washing the dishes or doing nothing and just being in their presence would really help.”
Selena Gomez asserts the importance of positive self-talk and maintaining a support system
Selena Gomez recently revealed that when she is having mental health issues, she dislikes being by herself. During Wondermind’s Mental Fitness Summit, while conversing with fashion influencer Remi Bader, Gomez said that whenever she is feeling low, she leans on her close circle of two to three people. Stating the same, Selena Gomez said:
“I don’t have a lot of people in my life, but I know who my inner circle is, I have to talk things out. And I have a therapist too, but it’s also nice to have people around you who will just listen to you. There is a freedom in letting go of whatever it is that’s keeping you stuck and that lump in your throat.”
The Only Murders in the Building star also asserted the importance of giving herself regular pep talks to manage her anxiety and said:
“I am a very anxious person. It’s kind of like doomsday, and I think having a positive conversation with yourself, even if that sounds weird, it’s really impactful. Like before I step out of the car, and there’s going to be lots of noises and stuff—if that’s the case… I have to breathe, and I have to say, ‘All of this is a gift.’”
Selena Gomez ended the conversation by saying that those who are having mental health issues should know that they’re not alone. She encouraged people to seek help and try techniques such as using a video journal to unburden their emotions.
