Selena Gomez Reflects on Self-Criticism in 'My Mind and Me' 2022 Documentary

Selena Gomez is looking back on her Apple TV+ documentary from 2022 called My Mind & Me. The documentary mainly talked about her struggles with mental health.

In the documentary, the 31-year-old singer shared about experiencing suicidal thoughts that eventually led her to cancel a tour and receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

"It really upsets me to listen to the negative things I used to say about myself in the past. It makes me feel down," shared the star of Only Murders in the Building during a panel titled "Mindfulness Over Perfection: Getting Real on Mental Health" at SXSW in Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 10.

She continued, "I believe many people can relate to that experience. It's crucial to treat yourself with kindness, but I didn't fully grasp that concept [at the beginning of the film] ... It's strange to see myself from a long time ago saying things that I would never say to myself now."

"My Mind & Me" was filmed over a span of six years, showcasing Gomez's challenges with body image, her journey with lupus, and the burnout she faced as the most followed celebrity on Instagram.

She expressed feeling "terrified" about unveiling the documentary.

Selena Gomez Says She Feels Sick Listening to Herself in 2022 Documentary

Selena Gomez Apple TV+

She shared with the audience at the Austin Convention Center that she had been unsure whether to go through with it. But once she made the decision, she experienced a sense of relief like never before. By revealing her true self, she no longer had to hide behind a facade. It was a challenging moment in her life, but also a liberating one.

During the panel discussion, Gomez was joined by her mother, Mandy Teefey. Together, they are partners in the Wondermind mental health advocacy website, which they launched in November 2021.

She was inspired to share her journey in the documentary after watching the 1999 film Girl, Interrupted with her mom. The movie, a psychological drama starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, tells the story of a young woman who spends 18 months in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt.

The film sparked a conversation between the mother and daughter about the peculiarities of the entertainment industry and how Gomez felt like she didn’t belong.

During the panel discussion, the singer/actress emphasized the importance of not forcing someone to confront their mental health issues before they are ready.

She shared, "There were many people who cared about me more than I cared about myself, and they wanted me to address things that I wasn't prepared for. I had reached my lowest point, and I needed to take the necessary steps at my own pace."

She added, "It took a couple of tries, but I like to think and hope I’m in a much better place now."

Gomez is getting ready to launch her first new album in four years. In an interview with Rolling Stone on March 4, she shared that the music in the album comes "from a place of confidence" and highlights the feelings of "joy and curiosity."

Selena Gomez is currently juggling multiple projects. She is busy filming the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building with Steve Martin and Martin Short. Additionally, she is set to join a reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place and will portray singer Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic.

In her personal life, Gomez made her relationship with boyfriend Benny Blanco public in December 2023. According to a source, she is thrilled about their relationship.

Selena has let everyone know that she wants Benny with her all the time now. She's happily introducing him to everyone in her life. They started off keeping things quiet, but Benny has proven himself in every way. With the new year starting, Selena felt it was the perfect time to show off their love to the world. And that's exactly what she's doing.

Editor's P/S:

Selena Gomez's vulnerability in sharing her mental health struggles in her documentary "My Mind & Me" resonated with many. Her candid account of suicidal thoughts and bipolar disorder diagnosis highlighted the importance of self-compassion and seeking support. Gomez's journey emphasizes that recovery is a non-linear process that requires patience and self-acceptance.

Moreover, Gomez's partnership with her mother in launching the Wondermind mental health advocacy website demonstrates her commitment to breaking down stigmas and empowering others. Her message of not forcing someone to confront their mental health issues before they are ready underscores the need for a supportive and understanding approach. By sharing her experiences, Gomez has become a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges, inspiring them to prioritize their well-being and seek the help they need. indicate that she is in a better place now, a testament to the transformative power of seeking help and embracing self-love.