Selena Gomez Revealed The One Reason She Doesn't Sleep In Her Bedroom Anymore In A Discussion About Mental Health

This post contains discussion of mental health.

Selena Gomez has always been transparent about her mental health, which is one of the many reasons why she’s so beloved as a public figure.

Last week, Selena took part in the keynote conversation for a Mental Fitness Summit led by her own mental health platform Wondermind — and during the chat, she got real about her own struggles and subsequent coping mechanisms.

During the chat (via AOL), Selena emphasized the importance of knowing her “inner circle,” as well as recognizing her own need to “talk things out.”

“I have a therapist, too, but it’s also nice to have people around you who will just listen to you,” she said. “There is a freedom in letting go of whatever it is that’s keeping you stuck and that lump in your throat.”

Selena went on to describe herself as “a very anxious person.” “It’s kind of like doomsday, and I think having a positive conversation with yourself, even if that sounds weird, it’s really impactful,” she explained.

“Like, before I step out of the car, and there’s going to be lots of noises and stuff — if that’s the case, I’m not saying that’s every day — but I have to breathe, and I have to say, ‘All of this is a gift, and I may not be in the mood for this, [but] every time I see someone and end up making them smile, [it] always just makes my day no matter how I’m feeling.’”

Selena also revealed that she prefers not to sleep in her own bedroom as a coping mechanism. “I’m a little bit different than my mom,” she said, “because I spent too much time in my bedroom that I actually don’t even sleep in my bedroom anymore, because I associate it with such a really dark time.”

During the event, Selena also addressed her many breaks from social media, and how stepping back — regardless for how long — is a necessary thing for her to do.

“I try my hardest to take these breaks, but equally I’ve had to stop trying to defend myself,” she explained, “because I should not be apologetic for being honest, for saying I’m not good, and that’s not nice what you said.”

“My mom has always taught me that the noise is going to be there constantly, but it’s about finding that moment where I actually physically say, ‘No, I am a good person, I’m kind, I work really hard, and I’m grateful, and I love all the little things in life,’ and I need that reminder.”

“I’m not going to lie, it kind of hurts,” she continued while addressing the harmful effects of social media’s infinite echo chamber. “I’m definitely not one of the people who can kind of ignore it.”

“I’m just speaking on my generation’s behalf because it’s wild how inhumane people can be with their words and things they would probably never say in person either. It just hurts.”

If you have your own helpful methods when it comes to managing your mental health and would like to share them, feel free to discuss in the comments.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.