Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus several years ago, but it’s not something that just goes away. Lupus is an inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. The singer released a statement saying that she’s taking some time off to focus on her health, also revealing that since her diagnosis she’s dealt with anxiety and depression, which is very common for people that have chronic diseases.
“As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways,” she explains.
“I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”
“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,” she continued. “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,” Gomez concluded. “I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”
What Happens When You Have Lupus?
We don’t know the extent of the singer’s diagnosis, but last year she said, “I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about. I could’ve had a stroke.” It’s an extremely difficult disease to have and some of the common symptoms can include:
Fatigue: Lupus can cause mild to extreme fatigue, which can make everyday activities difficult to do.
Joint and muscle pain: Joint pain, redness and swollen joints. Morning stiffness is very common, also pain in the small joints of the hands, elbows, knees and ankles.
Skin problems: Skin rashes are very common, including a butterfly rash on the cheeks and nose. Skin sores, flaky red spots on the arms, hands, face, neck, mouth and lip sores, scaly red skin rashes all over your body.
Sensitivity to light: Direct exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light can worsen lupus flares.
Fever: Low-grade fevers can occur from time to time.
Changes in weight: Weight loss can occur when the disease is active, such as when they have lupus flares.
Swollen glands: People with lupus may get swollen lymph glands during a flare.
Headaches: Migraines, stress and tension headaches are very common.
Getting diagnosed with lupus can be extremely difficult to handle because it’s not a disease that will simply go away. It’s something that Gomez will have to seek treatment and medication for the rest of her life. It can be extremely exhausting and cause anxiety when she has lupus flares. It’s not uncommon that during the first couple of years a person has anxiety and depression because the changes that are happening to their bodies can be too much to handle.
“It takes a lot of courage to speak openly about a disease like lupus and at the same time Gomez is helping many spread awareness about this disease. Sending our very best to @selenagomez. Thank you for being such a strong voice for the #lupus community,” tweeted the Lupus Research Alliance. “We are so proud of Selena for taking care of herself and bringing awareness to this sometimes very misunderstood illness,” said the Lupus Research Alliance Co-CEO, Kenneth M. Farber.