Earlier this month, Selena Gomez was honored for her mental health advocacy work at McLean Hospital’s Annual Dinner.
While accepting her award, the singer shared part of her own mental health journey with the attendees.
"I think that we are better when we tell the truth and, so, this is my truth," she began, as seen in a video that is just now being shared by a fan account on Instagram.
(MORE: Selena Gomez on how therapy has helped her better 'understand' herself)"Last year, I was suffering mentally and emotionally, and I wasn’t able to stay all buttoned up and together," she said. "I wasn’t able to hold a smile or to keep things looking normal."
She continued, "It felt as though all of my pain, anxiety, and fear washed over me all at once, and it was one of the scariest times of my life."
Gomez says she sought help from doctors and was "equal parts terrified and relieved" when she received a diagnosis.
(MORE: Selena Gomez posts emotional message on turning 27, cries 'grateful tears' for family, friends and fans)She explained, "Terrified because the veil was lifted but relieved that I finally had the knowledge of why I had suffered with various depressions and anxieties for so many years. I never had full awareness or answers about this condition."
Thank you, @selenagomez, for your tenacious work toward eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and for warmly receiving the numerous attendees at our annual dinner this past Friday who wanted to share their story with you. #DeconstructingStigma #mentalhealthawareness pic.twitter.com/VnW8tOMMEq
— McLean Hospital (@McLeanHospital) September 15, 2019
Gomez, who last year checked herself into a facility for mental health treatment, says, "After a year of a lot of intense work ... I am happier, I am healthier, and I am in control of my emotions and thoughts more than I’ve ever been."
