“Mental health is very personal for me, and I hope that by using my platform to share my own story and working with incredible people like all of you I can help others feel less alone,” the singer said at the Mental Health Youth Action Forum.
Singer, actor and producer Selena Gomez got personal and shared her own mental health journey at the event. The Only Murders in the Building 29-year-old star spoke passionately about “destigmatizing” mental health when she made an appearance at the Mental Health Youth Action Forum.
The said event was hosted by MTV Entertainment at the White House on Wednesday.
Just to throw in a little bit of my journey, I felt like once I found out what was going on mentally, I found that there was more freedom for me to be okay with what I had because I was learning about it, bringing attention to mental health through media or just by talking about your journeys can help
she continued,
It sets the example that it’s a topic that can and should be discussed freely and without shame
Selena Gomez was joined by First Lady Jill Biden, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and Ambassador Susan Rice, along with 30 youth mental health activists at the MTV event. She stated that she was using her platform in order to bring about a change. Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, also attended the event. Gomez said:
Mental health is very personal for me, and I hope that by using my platform to share my own story and working with incredible people like all of you, I can help others feel less alone and find the help they need, which is honestly all I want
Sandhya Raman shared Selena Gomez’s words on Twitter:
Selena Gomez says she hopes using her platform to be open about her mental health can help other young people.
“We need as much help as we can possibly get” to destigmatize mental health, she says. pic.twitter.com/8C5g2bVrYq
— Sandhya Raman (@SandhyaWrites) May 18, 2022
Gomez said she hopes to provide mental health services to anyone who’s in need without discriminating against a single person.
She explained,
When it comes to talking about and destigmatizing mental health, I want to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, their race, religion, sexual orientation, have access to services that support their mental health
The singer also went on to explain how her cosmetics company advocates for mental health.
“My brand Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund supports organizations that expand access to mental health services and education for young people,” she said. “And we partner with mental health experts and non-profits throughout the year to share free educational resources.”
The Rare Impact Fund was launched in July 2020. Nearly one percent of all Rare Beauty sales are donated to the cause. Apart from that, it also donates funds raised by the makeup brand along with foundations, philanthropists, consumers, and corporate partners.
The Rare Impact Fund aims to raise $100 million in the next decade by supporting organizations and working alongside to increase access to mental services in schools.
Gomez went on to “challenge” other companies “to make a difference in the world by taking action to destigmatize mental health.”
“We need as much help as we can possibly get developing resources and services and increasing access to those services for young people,” she said.
The First Lady, Jill Biden shared how the pandemic has impacted the minds of young people and encouraged people to seek help. While addressing the crowd at the White House’s East Room, she said:
Over the last decade, an alarming number of young people have struggled with mental health challenges, and the pandemic has made it so much worse: the isolation, the anxiety and, yes, the grief. They are wounds that sometimes go unseen, too often cloaked in secrecy and shame, but young people don’t have to face these challenges alone. No one does. The darkness inside of us can feel heavy at times, but we can share the weight of it together. And we can help bring those feelings and experiences to the light
The First Lady also shared the story of a proud Veteran Ayanna, on her Twitter handle:
Ayanna is a proud veteran and mother of two. She sought help when she was struggling with her mental health, and then encouraged her family to get the support they needed, too.
Today, she serves as an advocate for mental health support and wellness in the workplace. pic.twitter.com/GQnsHW60Xw
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) May 18, 2022
Surgeon General Murthy also added that
President Joe Biden’s administration is building a movement to address mental health in America. We want to build a society where no person has to feel isolated and shamed because of their struggles. We want to build a world where anyone who needs help can get it, and get it quickly. And were also looking to do something bigger, which is to build a world where we all look out for one another
The MTV event took place one day before Mental Health Action Day. Multiple organizations, brands, cultural leaders, and government agencies will be joining hands to encourage people to seek mental health support whenever they need it.
If you or someone you know requires mental health support, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. You’ll be connected to a certified crisis counselor immediately.
Gomez teamed up with Jill Biden as the Mental Health Action Day on Thursday draws near along with the launch of Gomez’s mental health fitness company called Wondermind. Have a look at Selena Gomez talking with Biden and Murthy right below.
Chris Mack
