Mental Health and Fame: Selena Gomez
Introduction
Some know Selena Gomez as a former Disney star on Wizards of Waverly Place or other shows or movies, one of the pop star Justin Bieber’s Exes, or the artist who made famous songs like “The Heart Wants What it Wants” and “Good For You,,” but this strong woman is so much more than that. What many do not know is that Gomez has experienced many different mental and physical health issues like Bipolar disorder, Lupus, Depression, and Anxiety. However, none of these conditions tear her down; instead, she uses her platform to share her story and help others through numerous methods.
Wondermind
To begin, as of this year, Gomez (and her Co-CEOs Mandy Teefey and Daniella Pierson) has launched her own media platform dedicated to her mental health forum, Wondermind. This online space will become a community for those interested in discussing, learning about, or getting help for their mental health. It also provides resources for users in order to strengthen their “mental fitness,” something that is very important to Gomez. To her, mental fitness is a daily practice that gets you out of your comfort zone and creates a routine that helps you better understand yourself.
Rare Beauty
In addition to this, the star created her own makeup line, “Rare Beauty,” as a way for individuals of all kinds to embrace their natural features, making a brand that relates to the “mind, body, and soul.” Soon after it was launched, an education and advocacy campaign was created to bring more mental health services and financial services to schools. It was later revealed that this campaign, known as the “Rare Impact Fund,” had the goal of raising $100 million over a period of 10 years, and in the past year, they have donated $1.2 million to 8 grantees.
My Thoughts
Selena Gomez’s work touches me personally as someone who has had mental health struggles in the past and advocates for the awareness of mental health issues as well as for the betterment of mental health for people of all kinds. I find it very inspiring that she would share stories of her very personal experiences and struggles with the world in such a way; her bravery is truly astonishing. I also felt that I related heavily to the makeup brand she created to help customers feel confident with themselves and thus aid their mental health. I know for a fact that many women, especially teenagers such as me, can have difficulty feeling beautiful in a world with unachievable “beauty standards” on social media, and I was very touched by the fact that Gomez created a brand that was advertised as a way to accentuate your natural beauty, instead of altering it. I cannot wait to see what more she will do to increase mental stability over the years!
Sources
There are Three Things That Selena Gomez Does on Her Worst Mental Health Days, Including ‘Intense Boxing Classes:’
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/selena-gomez-mental-health-tips
Selena Gomez Launches Mental Health Platform Wondermind:
https://www.feelingthevibe.com/news/selena-gomez-launches-mental-health-platform-wondermind/
Selena Gomez Says She ‘Struggles’ to Get Out of Bed as She Opens Up About Mental Health:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/a38448306/selena-gomez-mental-health-advice/
Selena Gomez Says its ‘Rewarding’ to Create Rare Beauty for Those Who ‘Don’t Want to Get Work Done:’
https://people.com/style/selena-gomez-opens-up-about-creating-rare-beauty/
Selena Gomez Hopes She ‘Can Help Others’ with Mental Health Initiative Launched with Rare Beauty:
https://people.com/style/selena-gomez-rare-beauty-mental-health-101-campaign/
Selena Gomez Announces Wondermind, a New Mental Health Platform:
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/selena-gomez-announces-wondermind-a-new-mental-health-platform
Selena Gomez Thanks Her Rare Beauty Team with Letter in The New York Times: ‘More Than Makeup:’
https://people.com/style/selena-gomez-rare-beauty-team-new-york-times/