Selena Gomez has been touring since May to support her new album. Just looking at the Wikipedia page for her Revival tour is making me tired. She performed 16 dates in May, 20 in June, 12 in July and she did seven this month (I guess that’s a “break”). So she’s been going nonstop for some time, and her tour was set to continue with a very grueling schedule through the end of the year. As we heard almost a year ago, Selena has lupus, an autoimmune disorder which can be exacerbated by stress and physical exertion. Selena just announced that she’s taking a break from touring due to depression and anxiety, which are said to be due to her condition. Her people made it clear that this is not related to drug or alcohol use. Here’s the statement from People:
After traveling the world over the last few months for her Revival World Tour, Selena Gomez is taking a break to take care of herself.
“As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways,” the singer and actress, 24, tells PEOPLE exclusively in a statement. “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. Thank you to all my fans for your support. 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,” she continues.
According to Kenneth M. Farber, the co-CEO and co-president of the Lupus Research Alliance, “it is not commonly known that depression, anxiety and panic attacks can be side effects of lupus. We are so proud of Selena for taking care of herself and bringing awareness to this sometimes very misunderstood illness.”
A source close to Gomez tells PEOPLE the break is “absolutely not related to alcohol or substance abuse” and was prompted after she “hadn’t felt like herself” over the last couple of months.
“She decided to clear her calendar for the year in order to have this be her priority for future happiness and didn’t want to leave any promoters at bay,” says the source. “She feels relieved that she can now make more sense of why she was feeling the way she was and is optimistic about the future.”
When a high profile artist like Selena tours, there are hundred if not thousands of jobs at stake and millions of dollars on the line. She couldn’t just say she wanted a break without explaining the reasons why. I think this was a good statement and I hope she’s ok. Personally my depression and anxiety became much better after I quit drinking. Things aren’t perfect but I don’t feel as inadequate and depressed as I used to, and I don’t second guess myself as much. This is just anecdotal and in no way am I saying that my problems were comparable or that Selena has that issue. She has a very serious autoimmune disease and we don’t know what’s going on with her. I hope she gets the rest and relaxation she needs and that she also takes a break from social media. She’s the most followed person on Instagram! That’s got to be a lot of pressure to be constantly connected and “on” like that.
This is the last post that Selena made on Instagram as of publication time. She’s getting so many well wishes from fans.
Selena is shown at the Tokyo airport on 8-1 and on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. Credit: WENN.com and Instagram
I like her. She’s like a real-life version of one of the Chipettes, and I say that fondly. Rest up and get well, Selena.
I hope she feels better soon.
On another note – I don’t know much about lupus but my dad’s first wife died of lupus at 27.. so although I obviously never knew her I know he still loves her (over 40 years later) and I always feel sad when i hear about someone suffering from this.
My mother in law died from lupus. Since it is genetic, I keep worrying about my husband and my daughter. Autoimmune diseases are so tough and debiliating.
My sister in law’s very beloved sister died from lupus aged 32
I think Selena should just take her time and focus on being and not doing for a while at least
I am old enough to be beyond her loop but I wish her nothing but health and happiness
If she’s anxious or depressed that’s reason enough to take a break, whether it’s due to lupus or not.
Good for her! I have come to really like her and I hope that she finds her peace!
Her Singing is not the best but she seems like a sweet girl and it seems she is finally away from this Bieberbaby.
I wish her the best of luck with her career and that a break will help her to get a little bit of Control on her Lupus.
Best wishes to her. There have been other performers who suffered from autoimmune diseases (T-Boz, Cher) and had to take breaks. The exertion really takes a toll on a body with autoimmune deficiencies. I hope during her therapy and treatment, she’s able to come to terms with her chasing the Biebs. He’s no good for any young woman and that stress just adds to her already exhausted mind and body.
So not to be picky, but autoimmune disorders and autoimmune deficiencies aren’t the same. AIDS is a deficiency, when your immune system is underactive. Autoimmune disorders are when your immune system becomes too active and starts attacking your own body. But other than that, totally agree with what you said.
Mental and physical stress can worsen any auto immune illness in which some side effects can lead to panick attacks, IBS, depression, foggy brain, etc. I wish her much rest and some good down time.
Perfectly handled. I hope she’ll be okay.
She has lupus? She won’t be getting better soon. Lupus is a lifelong disease. I hope she finds a doctor who knows what s/he is doing to take care of her over the long haul. Rest and relaxation are a good start.
I wish her well. Auto immune diseases manifest all sorts of symptoms – I know they do in me. Get some rest, Selena, be well.
I don’t know how she’s done it. I also have lupus and require 10 to 12 hours a night of sleep to avoid chronic fatigue.
I had tickets to take my daughter and her friend this coming Saturday to see Selena Gomez (along with Flo Rida & DNCE). Last night’s news came as a bit of a sad shock to the tweens, but they were so understanding, and we all wish Selena the best; health comes first.
Her promoters have also issued a statement saying that refunds will be given.
Sin b’y.. Da poor ting… So many people will be sad. But lupus sounds like a horrible disease and she is so young.
I have an autoimmune issue but is not nearly as serious as lupus. I have vitiligo. Once you have an autoimmune issue I was told it can be an opening in your body for other autoimmune diseases to come into your body. I do not drink alcohol. I follow a very strict diet to keep anxiety and depression from taking over. No gluten, dairy, sugar or nightshades. I basically eat lean protein, vegetables but no corn or white fleshed potatoes, fruit but only combined with protein and natural nuts and seeds. It has helped me very much.