Selena Gomez is celebrating the launch of her mental health platform Wondermind today— and the star is getting real about her own journey understanding her mental health struggles and getting to
a better place. The singer was joined by Wondermind co-founders Mandy Teefey (Gomez’s mother) and Daniella Pierson for an interview on Good Morning America.
“Growing up in the spotlight has definitely taught me so much,” Gomez started. “I can’t believe I am where I am mentally just because of how I took the necessary steps in order to kind of remove myself from that because it’s just not normal. I really want people to be understood and seen and heard. It’s okay to not be okay.”
Gomez revealed she has stayed offline for over four years now and credits that to making her feel “normal” despite her A-list fame. “I haven’t been on the internet in four and a half years,” she started. “It has changed my life completely. I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people. It makes me feel normal.”
Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder helped tremendously too, she added. “It was really freeing [being diagnosed with bipolar disorder] to have the information. It made me really happy because I started to have a relationship with myself, and I think that’s the best part. Like, I’ve probably been the happiest I’ve ever been. My mom knows.”
Gomez added that as she approaches her 30th birthday in July, she’s thrilled to embark on that new era in a very strong place. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to step into this chapter alone, independently, strong, confidently,” she said. That’s all I really want you know? I’m excited [to turn 30].”
You can watch her full interview below: