Singer and actress Selena Gomez publicly shared her experience with psychosis and bipolar disorder, shedding light on a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of mental health. The disclosure came as part of her 2022 Apple TV+ documentary, Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, which details her struggles during a 2016 world tour and the subsequent diagnosis that followed a psychotic episode in 2018. This decision to speak openly about her condition aims to destigmatize mental health challenges and encourage more people to seek help.
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis isn’t a single illness but a collection of symptoms where a person loses touch with reality. This means struggling to distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t, as explained by Dr. Po Wang, a psychiatrist at Stanford University. Doctors often avoid using the term “psychosis” directly with patients due to its social stigma, which can deter people from seeking treatment. A 2021 Mental Health Million Project report found that 25% of those with mental health issues avoid care due to fear of being labeled or ostracized.
Instead of “psychosis”, clinicians may describe episodes as “unusual experiences” to reduce patient anxiety. Dr. Wang emphasizes that the word itself can feel like a personal failure rather than an illness, hindering recovery.
Hallucinations and Delusions
Psychosis manifests primarily through hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (false beliefs). Gomez herself has limited recollection of her episode, describing a chaotic period where she found herself in a mental health facility. Her friend Raquelle recalls Gomez experiencing escalating auditory hallucinations.
Delusions can range from paranoia (believing someone is out to harm you) to “ideas of reference” (seeing personal meaning in random events, like interpreting song lyrics as messages directed at you). Extreme cases involve “thought insertion” – the feeling that someone is planting thoughts in your mind – or “thought broadcasting” – believing your thoughts are being transmitted to others. These symptoms aren’t just bizarre experiences; they sever connection to everyday reality.
Recognizing Psychosis: Signs and Symptoms
Beyond hallucinations and delusions, psychosis can present with more subtle signs:
- Sudden behavioral changes (mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal)
- Suspiciousness or paranoia
- Decline in performance at work or school
- Social isolation
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Difficulty communicating clearly
These symptoms should be taken seriously, as early intervention is vital.
Treatment Options: From Hospitalization to Therapy
Initial treatment for psychosis often involves hospitalization and antipsychotic medications to stabilize a patient. For bipolar disorder, like Gomez’s case, mood stabilizers are key. Dr. Wang stresses that treatment evolves over time; what works best changes as the patient stabilizes.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based interventions, can also reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. The goal is not just symptom suppression but long-term management and improved quality of life.
Why This Matters
Gomez’s openness is significant because mental health stigma remains a major barrier to care. By sharing her experience, she normalizes a conversation that too many avoid. Psychosis is treatable, but only if people seek help without shame. The condition affects millions, and destigmatization is the first step toward better outcomes.
Ultimately, Gomez’s story underscores the importance of early detection, proper treatment, and open dialogue in addressing mental health challenges.
