Selena has always been transparent and brought huge awareness to mental health issues

However, we are either linked by age or in the fact that we have all walked somewhat similar paths to Selena's towards self-acceptance.

Many of us appreciate the candour of the mental health challenges faced by the Lose You To Love Me songstress, whether we are ready to admit that or not.

Over the years, the singer has been continuously vocal about the journey she has been on to overcome mental health-related and body-image issues.

Every day, Selena makes strides towards leaving behind the girl who ridiculed herself every day to embrace the woman she is today in full.

A lot of us are in the same boat

As many will sadly know, the road to self-acceptance is one dotted with obstacles, setbacks, and lessons, something which Selena recently opened up about.

The Rare Beauty founder candidly shared in an Instagram video that she's finally on the other side of this battle, giving hope to women and young girls who may find themselves fighting an internal struggle.

"Today, I see someone who has survived and someone that works really hard to try to keep her mental state well, and I'm also kind of in a fun place," she said.

Selena revealed that she places Post-it notes on her mirror, which serve as reminders of the things she 'needs to hear and say out loud a few times' when she needs it most.

Forgiving yourself

The Only Murders in the Building actress recently reflected on the words she used to speak about herself in her documentary, My Mind & Me, which was released in 2022.

"It makes me sick to hear the things that I was saying about myself in the beginning. It bums me out," Selena confessed during a SXSW panel.

"But I think everybody can relate to that feeling. It's important to speak to yourself with kindness, but I don't think I really understood that [at the start of the film]."

My Mind & Me followed Selena as she contended with confidence and body-image issues, suicidal thoughts that led to the cancellation of her tour and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

It also detailed her experience of living with lupus and the burnout she experienced being a celebrity in the public eye.

A huge part of self-acceptance is forgiving the past version of oneself who berated you every day, something the singer is rectifying through her Post-its and daily empowering mantras.

While Selena looks back on the documentary as a saddening reminder of her mental health woes, it serves as a reminder to slow down in the face of mental health and ask for help.

If one of the most famous performers in the world can honour herself by cancelling a massive tour for her mental health, you can take a mental health day, week, or month, if needed.

Dismantling shame

"There was a lot of people that cared about me more than I cared about myself that really wanted me to do things I wasn't ready for. I had my rock bottom, and I had to do it in my time," she admitted when reflecting on her mental health journey.

The singer spoke on the fact that mental health struggles often remain a secret due to shame, however, she has done the work to heal herself from any untrue thoughts.

"There have been a lot of times where I have felt like I had to keep my mental health challenges a secret," she confessed in a Rare Beauty post.

"I was afraid people wouldn't think I was capable or worthy or enough, but I am. We ALL are."

Selena's raw honesty, combined with her 429 million followers, platforms mental health on an enormous stage, dismantling the shame that often keeps sufferers silent.

The best part of the singer's candour about mental health issues and body-image issues is her candour about coming out the other side of it.

It can and will get better.

Don't suffer in silence

If you are in a crisis and need immediate support, please call Pieta's 24-hour Crisis Helpline on Free Phone 1800 247 247, or Text 'HELP' to 51444 to speak to a therapist now.

It is available to support those in crisis and those concerned about a loved one who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Pieta's free therapy services team can also be reached at  0818 111 126 to make an appointment today to avail of their free, 1:1 therapy.

No referral is needed.

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