The Selena Gomez Quote That Changed My Perspective About My Depression

Ever since I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, I have felt completely broken. In a way I sort of am, but the idea that just because you are broken means you must be that way forever is simply not true. Unlike glass, you can be broken and you can be put back together stronger than before.

This was something I never realized until I heard Selena Gomez say,”If you are broken, you don’t have to stay broken.”

Selena Gomez has been someone I looked up to since I was a little girl. Her struggles have been at similar times, so I have always felt bonded to her. After she went into rehab, I thought she would never be fixed. I thought it was black and white. I thought if you break something, it won’t ever be the same again and there is no reason to try. I believed if someone as wonderful and talented as her couldn’t “fix” herself, then there was no reason for me to try.

Hearing someone I have adored for as far back as I can remember say “broken” is a temporary state not a permanent affliction, gave me so much hope. Just because you are struggling and your world is damaged doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t be whole again. People who have gone through hardship have just as much potential for success as those who have been in the same situation.

Before her speech, I thought recovery was a story adults told me so I would get out of bed. It’s not. It’s a goal that is hard fought, but so worth it. Just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Not knowing the way doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

I genuinely believe everyone struggling with depression needs to have the moment of realization before they can start to heal. It doesn’t matter who it comes from, it just needs to happen. Your situation won’t change until you make the decision to do something about it. This idea used to seem like an fictional thing adults used to try and “make us feel better,” but it doesn’t anymore. Recovery is a goal anyone can reach no matter how bleak things may seem.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741.

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Photo via Selena Gomez Facebook page.