‘Depressed’ Selena Gomez ‘to take time off to seek help for anxiety and panic attacks’
Star, who suffers from auto-immune disease lupus, reveals she's also suffering from 'anxiety, panic attacks and depression'
SHE’s the most followed singer on Instagram who’s managed to fulfil a gruelling world tour in spite of a heartbreaking split from JUSTIN BIEBER.
But the pressure has finally taken its toll on SELENA GOMEZ.
The pop superstar has stunned her legions of fans by revealing she’s taking a break from the industry to seek help for depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Her career-defining decision was sparked by her loved ones planning an intervention in the wake of her out-of-character online outburst at ex Justin, which I revealed last week.
Selena said: “As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways.
“I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side-effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.
“I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.”
Selena — one of pop’s most hard-working stars — went on to thank fans for their support in her bravely honest statement.
She added: “You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head-on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.
“I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”
I revealed how Selena’s gruelling Revival Tour combined with the shock of seeing former flame Bieber with new girlfriend SOFIA RICHIE had taken a worrying toll on the star.
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After touring solidly for four months, she was still to hit Europe and South America with no time off planned until mid-December.
That’s a huge pressure on Instagram’s most followed star, with 86million followers.
But while news of her decision shocked the world last night, Selena’s strain was apparent to me long before recent events.
The former child star — who found fame on TV show Barney And Friends aged ten — was notably exhausted when I spoke to her back in March and admitted then that she was having trouble sleeping because of her severe work schedule.
And all while battling lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease with symptoms including body aches, fevers and extreme fatigue, which saw her check into rehab for treatment in 2014.
Selena is an adorable, talented young woman.
I hope she gets the respite she deserves and needs.