Dear Selena Gomez,

I recently read the Vogue article that was written about you. I was driven to read the article because I am one of the millions of people who admire you. When I opened the Facebook link to the article, I did not know what to expect. I knew what the topic was thanks to the name of the article "Selena Gomez on Instagram Fatigue, Good Mental Health, and Stepping Back From the Limelight". I knew that reading would most likely be emotional, and it was, but I (as many others)was oddly nervous. Whenever the topic of mental illness comes up in the media, I brace myself for the lack of understanding that usually comes with it. But this article is the complete opposite of not understanding. For me, as I am sure it is for others, it brings hope for a future where talking about mental illness does not mean expecting negative input.

"Selena Gomez on Instagram Fatigue, Good Mental Health, and Stepping Back From the Limelight" not only helps to end the stigma around mental illness, but it shows us that getting help is important. You show us that anyone could be struck by mental illness. You also touched on themes that we can all identify with. It is clear that just because you can have fame, fortune and a successful career, does not mean that you escape the problems of loneliness and poor self-esteem. There is no way that I could have known while I was listening to you at the Barclay's Center that you were probably feeling similar anxieties as I have. That is the curse of internal suffering, someone could be having a really rough time and use a smile as a mask. I know that these are not easy things to talk about either, again, you inspire conversations to ensue.

People ask me why I follow you, why I am a fan, why I look up to you, my answer is almost always because of how clear it is that you care. You care about other people's suffering. You care about the experiences of your fans. Most of all, you are courageous. I will never forget watching the American Music Awards and hearing your speech. "If you are broken, you do not have to stay broken." It is something we all need to keep in mind, that there is hope. It is also because of interviews like the one in Vogue and your production of the series "Thirteen Reasons Why". We all know that "the world can be a nasty place"; but with these projects, you make talking about mental illness and therapy less intimidating.

I thank you for giving the world hope, and for sharing your struggles. You bring light to mental illness, that is too often shrouded in the darkness of scary movies and stereotypes. While reading the article, a quote from Jay Asher stood out to me "There’s no way to know what people deal with. In that very first meeting we talked about Twitter, and I remember her telling me that there’s this idea that celebrities aren’t supposed to notice or care about what’s being said about them. But she can’t help but care.”

As I write this, with "Camouflage" playing in the background, I am reminded of your quote "“I wish more people would talk about therapy." This could not be more true, but, I thank you for taking the steps to make it easier for those who feel trapped and voiceless. Whether someone has been a fan of you since Barney, or if their first encounter is this article, there is no doubt that you have influenced the way they think. Just by reading your words, others lives have been impacted. I am grateful for what you have shared, and because of you, I will continue to make an effort to end the stigma.

;

With Admiration,

A Proud Fan