After spending months travelling the globe on her Revival world tour, Selena Gomez has announced she is taking time off to deal with personal health issues.
The singer revealed she’s been struggling with panic attacks, depression and anxiety.
She says the conditions are a result of her diagnosis with lupus.
The 24-year-old released a statement to People explaining her decision to her loyal fans.
Get all the details of Selena’s self-imposed hiatus, including her moving statement, in the video below. Post continues.
Selena says it’s time she steps up to look after herself.
“As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways,” Selena said.
“I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”
The singer needs some time to recuperate after her grueling tour.
She continued: “I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.
“Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.”
Selena says she needs to confront her health and emotional issues “head on”.
She then took time to encourage others similarly struggling to be brave. “I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues,” she continued.
Her actions in bringing the side effects of her disease to the spotlight were praised by the Lupus Research Alliance.
Co-President of the group said it was “not commonly known that depression, anxiety and panic attacks can be side effects of lupus. We are so proud of Selena for taking care of herself and bringing awareness to this sometimes very misunderstood illness.”
Selena is such a good sport! Watch the time she secretly snuck into an Aussie fan’s bedroom to surprise her.
