Those struggling with mental illness can find some solace in Selena Gomez's words, as the ex-Disney star is getting candid about how to manage difficulties surrounding mental health.
Gomez revealed to her fans in April of this year during a live chat with Miley Cyrus that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and that coming to terms with her illness has been a battle.
Selena Gomez shares difficulties surrounding bipolar diagnosis
While she may make it look effortless, the "Kill Them With Kindness" singer is getting real about how difficult it has been opening up about her bipolar diagnosis with the world but shares she is glad she did.
"[Being open] isn't an easy thing to ask of someone. I've had to go away a few times for stuff I didn't know [I was struggling with] and was confused by," she said in her exclusive People interview.
"And then this stigma came," she added. "What would people think? But when I thought about it, my first answer was, 'I don't care, this is my truth.' I'm not a stigma. I'm a person that walks their life."
Gomez, who has a highly-anticipated skincare line dropping Thursday, also added that she hopes by being vocal she can maybe help fans with their own mental health struggles.
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"As far as my career, I'm professional and I work very hard. At the same time, I do deal with mental health, and I wanted that to also be known," she said.
Gomez continued, "In the beginning, it seemed hopeless. Sometimes it was a challenge for me to even get out of bed. I was like, 'Why can't I be like you guys?' Over the years I've finally found my rhythm, but it took me time."
"Never stop asking for help," Gomez says
Gomez announced that being able to seek help was a game-changer for her, a way to finally get a grip on her life. And now, the singer is committed to making sure others have access to obtaining that same level of care.
On her birthday this year, Gomez announced that over the course of the next 10 years, she and the Rare Impact Fund will be raising $100 million dollars for mental health resources in underprivileged communities.
"I've tried a ton of different things, but the one thing I've never stopped doing is asking for help," she says. "That was the hardest part, but I truly believe that that's why I'm stronger. This is something that is the most important thing in the world to me 'cause it's my mental health."
During the hard days, Gomez says it's most important to her that she makes a conscious effort to meet her emotional needs.
"The first thing I do is find space alone because I push and push myself so I don't have to think about my feelings," she said.
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"I'll go to my room, lie down, drink some water and take a few deep breaths. Then if I need a friend, I call a friend. If I need my therapist, I call my therapist," she adds. "On top of the heavy stuff, it's important to just take time with yourself and be gentle. I know it can seem like bulls--t, but it's true!"
Like most women in the day and age of social media and FaceTune, Gomez revealed she struggled with self-doubt and confidence issues, but hopes her make-up line will help others see their worth, and break down unattainable beauty standards.
"I used to look at myself and feel not pretty enough, but I think it's natural for people to feel that way sometimes," she said.
"You feel like you have to look a certain way or be a certain way, but that's not the case. This is a way for me to be a part of a beauty community and say, 'I'm practicing and I'm learning, and you can too.'"
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