Selena Gomez - celebrity, actress, singer, live performer, business owner, sister, daughter, survivor…
Selena Gomez | IMDB
The child star whose work life continued well into her teens and 20s has always had a large following. From starring as the lead roles in film and TV shows where she worked non-stop throughout her youth to world touring in between. Selena has always been under the watchful eye of the public and any form of scrutiny was on the front cover of every magazine. Her extremely public relationships were met with even more public breakups and heavy opinions from outside sources and fans.
This past year, Selena released a new documentary, My Mind and Me, a real and raw film that gives us an in depth look into her life, from uphill battles, successes, and dark parts that she lives with everyday. The film has been critically acclaimed by millions of viewers who are showering her and the documentary with nothing but kind words and support. The vulnerability she demonstrates throughout the film, her advocacy for mental health, and the toll it has on your physical body opens up the dialogue for an intimate conversation about these taboo topics. Selena’s personal success in every segment of her life seem to be a dream come true, however, the reality isn't always how it seems.
Selena Gomez | my mind & me | Apple
We’re introduced to the chaotically busy life of Selena with live behind the scenes footage of both internal and external dialogue during her Revival tour in 2016. From society's pressure to show up a certain way to the mass amounts of pressure she gives herself, Selena carries plenty of voices that follow her everywhere she goes. Despite the constant love, support, and admiration she receives from fans and loved ones, the hateful noises are always the loudest. Whether it's scrutinizing her looks, worries of letting those she cares about down, or the constant "go-go-go" lifestyle, we get a raw inside look into the reality of one of the biggest celebrities.
During the tour, Selena was burdened with immense anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, which continued to haunt her daily and she rightfully chose to take the time for herself by canceling the tour after 55 shows. This difficult decision wasn't easily made, however, since her Lupus diagnosis in 2014, Selena's priority has been on maintaining health. The emotional and mental challenges are unfortunate side effects of the autoimmune disease and her choice to take the time for herself was truly needed. After her diagnosis, Selena has remained public about her journey with this new addition to her life between chemotherapy and daily struggles, her constant battle with maintaining her demanding lifestyle and keeping her health in check has been a balance game.
In 2017, she had to undergo a kidney transplant and with the donation from her close friend, Francia Raisa, and was fortunately able to recover, however, she was soon admitted into the mental hospital. Despite this vulnerable time, paparazzi couldn't help but attack the scene with invasive tabloids detailing her emotional breakdown, false drug problems, and contacting Selena's family directly. The mental hospital visit led to her bipolar disorder diagnosis, which provided some closure to questions that have plagued her and the family for years. The negative stigma around bi-polar disorder can be daunting to those who suffer and coming to terms with the diagnosis itself is a battle.
Within the documentary and multiple interviews and press, Selena highlights her devotion to philanthropy, especially within “WE DAY”, a charity that provides women and children with education and access to clean and sanitized water. Selena has devoted her time and resources in helping raise money to build two schools in Kenya, a primary school and university for young women. Following her performance at the AMA’s of her newest release “Lose You To Love Me”, Selena travels to Kenya where we get a glimpse into the university, its students, and the feeling of peace she discovers. Free from the worries back home and the pressure to uphold such an image, she finds the feeling of being more connected to herself and a philanthropy that she feels so strongly about. The personal connection with WE DAY, including its students, teachers, and other volunteers gave her the peace of mind and a space where she can be her authentic self, away from the pressures back home. We also find this part of her shine through when visiting other areas of here life.
IMDB | Apple TV+
As we follow Selena through her roots back in Texas from school, to neighbors, to old friends and reconnects with her past as well as her life before fame, we get a glimpse into who she truly is. In reliving old memories where she was her rawest self, we got to dive deeper into who Selena is without the global sensation celebrity: “Selena Gomez”. Throughout the film, she continues to delve deeper into understanding herself and what she feels are true and authentic interpersonal connections. The discussion with mental health professional, Dr. Viveck Murphy provided some more insight into this desire with interconnection for us to reflect on. More specifically, the idea behind loneliness as it isn’t as cut and dry as it seems...
Throughout the film, the theme of “being alone in a crowded room” is delved in deeper through their discussion on World Mental Health day. The idea of “having it all”, whether fame or fortune is meaningless without the authentic interconnection we have with others. Dr. Murphy continues with explaining that “whenever we have interactions with people where we feel we can’t be ourselves, that actually separates us further and further from other people”. Such that multiple surface level connections are quite meaningless as compared to deep human relationships. Selena has kept this theme close to her heard with creating her own businesses that are centered around acceptance, self-love, authenticity, and connection.
Selena Gomez | RARE Beauty
In 2020, Selena announced RARE beauty, her cosmetic brand with a devotion to mental health and celebrating one's natural beauty and self-acceptance. Over $100 million of profits were funded to provide free mental health resources as they continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health. The RARE Beauty website itself houses multiple resources for users to access, mental health professionals, along with a description about anxiety for those who want to understand it further.
As they continue to chisel down the outlook on mental health, they’re creating a world of acceptance for both others and our own. Including those that suffer with arthritis and other joint pains and difficulties. The product’s packaging is simple to maneuver for an easier way to access the product as compared to other brands. Since Selena deals with arthritis due to Lupus, which makes it difficult to grip items, as millions of others are affected, she chose to be inclusive of everybody, including herself by curating products for those who feel left out.
Throughout Selena's active life, like fashion, TV, film, music, and online personality, she continues to mix philanthropy and ideas that ignite her passions. Her documentary showed not only the ups and downs of her active life but the importance of human connection, those that are far deeper than the surface.
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