Selena Gomez Says She's Taking Time Off To Deal With Side Effects Of Lupus

“I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”
Selena Gomez performs at Staples Center on July 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California
Selena Gomez performs at Staples Center on July 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California
Kevin Winter via Getty Images

Selena Gomez announced Tuesday in a statement that she is taking time off to focus on her “health and happiness.”

“As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways,” Gomez told People exclusively. “I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”

The “Hands to Myself” singer revealed her diagnosis last October after about two years of speculation that the 24-year-old was suffering from lupus. Gomez told Billboard magazine that she underwent chemotherapy to treat the autoimmune disease, which causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissue and organs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“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,” the singer said to People. “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.”

A People source said that the time off is “absolutely not related to alcohol or substance abuse” and simply comes at a time when the singer “hadn’t felt like herself.” When Gomez last took time off to enter rehab and treat her lupus (her diagnosis at the time was not public knowledge), her rep said that it was because of “emotional issues” and “partying,” not substance abuse.

The singer acknowledged that she was having a hard time on tour in July, posting a message to her friends on Instagram that has since been deleted.

Tonight I felt extremely unauthentic, unconnected to both my myself and my music. I’ve never really felt like my materials, wardrobe or a video could define me. I act on a moment and fear something that hasn’t happened. I’m stagnant, I stay still and don’t just sit with myself first and ask “is this where I am, whole heartedly?” I’ve always told the truth. I’m always true to my word, I’ve shown who I am but I need to rethink some areas of my life creatively and personally.

had to get that out

It is unclear if the comments she made and her time off are related. Gomez still has tour dates listed on her website and it remains unclear when and for how long she’ll be taking her break.

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