Selena Gomez reflects on the responsibility of being a role model
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Selena Gomez, renowned for her successful career in music, acting, and entrepreneurship, has candidly discussed the challenges she has faced in her personal and professional life.
The 31-year-old artist has been open about her health issues, including a lupus diagnosis and kidney transplant, as well as her battles with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Despite her past struggles, Gomez now finds herself in a content and fulfilled stage of life, with a thriving music and acting career and a successful beauty company, Rare Beauty.
In a recent interview with Fast Company, Selena Gomez opened up about the profound sense of responsibility she feels as a public figure, knowing that countless young people look up to her. She emphasised the importance of this responsibility, particularly when young individuals approach her and share how her documentary, "Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me," provided them with solace during challenging times.
Gomez said, "When I was younger, I thought I could save the world. It breaks my heart to hear a girl come up to me and say, 'I was so close to taking my life, but when I watched your documentary, I couldn't imagine doing that anymore.' That's the coolest gift." She tearfully acknowledged the weight of this responsibility, highlighting the impact of her documentary, which was released on Apple TV+ in 2022.
The former Disney star also reflected on her early life, characterised by her desire to please others and the sense of responsibility she felt from a young age, with many young fans looking up to her. She admitted that this early responsibility often made her feel like she had to tread carefully, and she struggled to define her own identity amid intense public scrutiny.
Gomez shared that her people-pleasing nature began to feel like a threat that unsettled her. She went through a period of turmoil and hardship, experiencing both highs and lows in her life. She described it as a "tormented feeling" and revealed that she would often want to cancel events or commitments due to the overwhelming emotions she was experiencing.
It was during this challenging time that Selena Gomez received her diagnosis, which brought her a sense of relief as it helped explain her behaviour and emotions. She acknowledged the crucial role played by multiple doctors and supportive individuals in helping her navigate these difficult moments and emerge stronger.
Selena Gomez, who recently made waves during Paris Fashion Week with her striking looks, is currently focused on her upcoming album, continuing her journey of personal and creative growth.