At the 2016 American Music Awards, Selena Gomez emerged from backstage wearing a stunning red gown, but it was not her appearance that caught the attention of people across the world.
Accepting the award for Favorite Female Artist- Pop/Rock, Selena broke her three month media absence with a speech to end all speeches, addressing her battle with mental illness.
"I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside... If you are broken you do not need to stay broken," Selena said.
Now, I may be biased because I love her already, but to me, this may be one of the most important public appearances/speeches of the entire year. For a star to get up on a stage in front of national television and speak of mental illness is one, probably terrifying for her as a human being, but two, extremely brave.
And the best part about it? She is showing young girls and boys that it is OK to struggle. It is OK to be broken, to be hurt. It just means you're human, and you are allowed to feel those ways. Getting help for mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, it is something to be proud of.





















