To Selena Gomez: Thank You for Being Honest About Your Mental Health

Here I am at work sitting down on a chair in the corner wondering why I feel the way I do. I know I have anxiety and depression, and every time I think I’m feeling great sadness comes creeping back in. 

I read an article online about Selena Gomez being in rehab. I knew she was there for her lupus, but I had no idea she checked herself in for anxiety and depression. As someone who has been in a psychiatric ward, I understand how hard it is to stay there when you know you desperately need the help. I know it takes a lot of support, strength and courage to do something like that. I was only there for four days while Selena has been there for awhile now. I don’t know how she managed to do it. I had nightmares for almost two weeks when I checked out of the psychiatric ward. 

It warms my heart to know I am not alone. 

I don’t tell people I’ve been in a psychiatric ward. I’m afraid people will think I’m “crazy” because they don’t know what I’ve been through or the reason why I was there. Yes, I’m a person who has both anxiety and depression, and yes, there are days when I feel like hell, but I’m learning how to cope with it. 

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Selena Gomez for making me realize I’m not alone in my daily battle with anxiety and depression. It shows me that even the biggest of stars have there fair share of mental battles, and it breaks my heart that mental illness isn’t talked about.

Thank you for showing me that bravery and strength can be a scary thing, but in the end it’s all worth it because a person’s mental health is so important.

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