Selena Gomez, a globally recognized singer, actress, and entrepreneur, has been open about her battle with serious health conditions. Fans and the media have often asked, “What disease does Selena Gomez have?” She has publicly shared her experiences with lupus and bipolar disorder, shedding light on their impact on her personal and professional life. In this article, we will explore these health conditions, their effects on Gomez, and how she continues to inspire millions by advocating for health awareness.
Who Is Selena Gomez?
Before diving into what disease Selena Gomez has, let’s first understand her background.
Selena Marie Gomez is an American singer, actress, and producer. Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, she rose to fame as a child actor in the television series Barney & Friends before becoming a household name through her Disney Channel role in Wizards of Waverly Place.
Beyond her acting career, Gomez has established herself as a successful musician, with multiple chart-topping songs and albums. Her influence extends to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, including her makeup brand, Rare Beauty, which actively supports mental health initiatives. She also co-founded the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to expand access to mental health services worldwide.
Despite her fame, Gomez has faced significant health challenges that she has courageously spoken about. She has used her platform to bring awareness to both lupus and bipolar disorder, highlighting the struggles associated with these conditions while inspiring others to seek help and stay resilient.
What Disease Does Selena Gomez Have?
One of the most common questions people ask is, “What disease does Selena Gomez have?” The pop star has been diagnosed with lupus and bipolar disorder, both of which have had profound effects on her health and daily life. These conditions have required her to take time off from her career to focus on treatment and recovery. However, Gomez has not let her health define her; instead, she has become a beacon of hope and awareness for those experiencing similar struggles.
Lupus: The Autoimmune Disease Affecting Selena Gomez
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. This chronic condition causes inflammation and can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Lupus is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment and lifestyle adjustments to manage its symptoms effectively.
Symptoms of Lupus
Some of the most common lupus symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face)
- Fever
- Kidney problems
- Chest pain
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Hair loss
Lupus symptoms vary in severity and can flare up unexpectedly, making daily life unpredictable. Many people with lupus experience periods of remission, where symptoms are minimal, followed by flare-ups that can be debilitating. This unpredictability has influenced Gomez’s career, leading her to adjust her work schedule to accommodate her health needs.
When Was Selena Gomez Diagnosed with Lupus?
Selena Gomez publicly revealed in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with lupus. Before disclosing her condition, she had taken a career break, leading to rumors about substance abuse. She later explained that she was undergoing chemotherapy to treat lupus.
She told Billboard Magazine: “I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about.” Her openness about the disease has helped raise awareness of lupus and its severe impact on individuals.
The revelation of her diagnosis helped debunk misconceptions about lupus and shed light on the fact that it is a serious and often misunderstood condition. Gomez has since worked with various organizations to support lupus research and awareness campaigns, aiming to help others who may be struggling with the disease.
Selena Gomez’s Kidney Transplant Due to Lupus
One of the most severe effects of lupus is kidney damage. By 2017, Gomez’s condition had progressed to lupus nephritis, a form of lupus that affects the kidneys. She needed a kidney transplant, and her close friend Francia Raisa donated a kidney to her.
After the surgery, Gomez faced life-threatening complications. She later shared that her new kidney had broken an artery, requiring emergency surgery to create a new one using a vein from her leg. The experience was physically and emotionally challenging, but she has remained grateful to her donor and the medical team that saved her life.
Gomez has since spoken openly about the mental and physical toll the transplant took on her. While she is thankful for the life-saving procedure, she has also emphasized the need for more awareness about organ donation and lupus-related complications. Her story has inspired many to consider becoming organ donors and supporting medical research for autoimmune diseases.
How Selena Gomez Uses Her Platform to Inspire Others
Beyond managing her health, Selena Gomez has dedicated herself to raising awareness and helping others facing similar struggles. She has actively used her voice and influence to support those with chronic illnesses and mental health conditions.
One of her most impactful initiatives is her work with the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to increase access to mental health resources for young people. She has openly discussed the importance of therapy and self-care, encouraging others to seek professional help when needed.
Gomez has also contributed to lupus research by partnering with organizations like the Lupus Research Alliance. She has used her fame to fundraise and advocate for better treatments and support for those suffering from the disease.
Through her documentaries, social media, and interviews, she continues to be transparent about her struggles, ensuring that people feel less alone in their journeys. Her willingness to share her experiences has helped break stigmas surrounding mental health and chronic illnesses, creating a more open and understanding conversation around these topics.
By sharing her story, Selena Gomez has become a symbol of resilience and advocacy, proving that health challenges do not define one’s ability to succeed and make a difference in the world.
Selena Gomez’s Mental Health Struggles and Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
In addition to lupus, Selena Gomez has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of:
- Mania: Elevated mood, excessive energy, impulsive behavior
- Depression: Sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities
Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide and can be managed with proper treatment, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Gomez’s diagnosis has encouraged more open conversations about mental health, helping to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.
When Was Selena Gomez Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?
In 2020, Selena Gomez shared that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a candid conversation on Miley Cyrus’s Instagram Live show, Bright Minded. She revealed that learning about the disorder helped her cope and manage her mental health better.
She stated: “Once I found out more information, it actually helped me. It doesn’t scare me once I know it.”
Since her diagnosis, Gomez has used her platform to discuss mental health openly, advocating for better resources and support for those struggling with similar conditions.
How Selena Gomez Manages Her Bipolar Disorder
Selena Gomez has been vocal about her mental health struggles and has taken steps to manage her condition, including:
- Therapy and counseling
- Proper medication
- Practicing self-care (meditation, exercise, and spending time with loved ones)
- Raising mental health awareness through her brand Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund
How Selena Gomez Advocates for Health Awareness
Beyond managing her own conditions, Selena Gomez has dedicated a significant portion of her career to health advocacy. She has partnered with mental health organizations and frequently uses her social media platforms to discuss the importance of self-care and seeking professional help. Through her Rare Impact Fund, she aims to make mental health services more accessible, particularly for young people.
Additionally, she has been involved in lupus awareness campaigns, collaborating with organizations such as the Lupus Research Alliance to support scientific research and improve treatments for the disease. Gomez’s transparency about her health struggles has helped break down stigma and encourage important conversations around chronic illness and mental health.
See Also: What Disease Does John Travolta Have?
FAQs
What autoimmune disease does Selena Gomez have?
Selena Gomez has lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs.
Why did Selena Gomez need a kidney transplant?
She needed a kidney transplant due to lupus nephritis, a severe form of lupus that affects the kidneys.
What mental health condition does Selena Gomez have?
She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings.
How does Selena Gomez manage her lupus?
She manages lupus with medication, lifestyle changes, and medical supervision, including treatments like chemotherapy and surgery.
What has Selena Gomez done to raise awareness about mental health?
She founded the Rare Impact Fund, supports mental health initiatives, and openly discusses her struggles to encourage others to seek help.
Conclusion
So, what disease does Selena Gomez have? She has been diagnosed with lupus and bipolar disorder, both of which have significantly impacted her life. Despite these challenges, Gomez continues to thrive, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire others facing similar struggles. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that chronic illnesses and mental health challenges do not define a person’s ability to achieve greatness.
By speaking out, Selena Gomez has brought much-needed attention to lupus and bipolar disorder, encouraging others to seek help and support. Her story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of advocacy.
