Selena Gomez has had her fair share of public ups and downs, from her long, on-and-off relationship with pop star Justin Bieber to facing health challenges and her bipolar diagnosis. Now, Gomez is shedding new light on how she has moved forward, found healing, and embraced a healthier life and outlook.

For years, “Jelena” was one of the most talked-about couples in Hollywood. The two started dating in 2010, capturing the hearts of millions who followed their young, whirlwind romance. But as often happens in the public eye, their relationship was tumultuous, characterized by breakups and reconciliations that dominated headlines and social media. By 2018, the relationship had finally come to an end. Shortly after, Bieber rekindled his romance with Hailey Baldwin, now his wife, who had also previously dated him in 2016.

Reflecting on her past, Gomez recently shared how the relationship and its subsequent end left her feeling heartbroken. Yet, she also acknowledged that moving forward was ultimately the best path for her, saying she had to “go through the worst possible heartbreak” to reach a place of self-acceptance and growth.

Following the high-profile breakup and the media frenzy surrounding Bieber’s engagement to Hailey, Gomez stepped away from social media. In a Fast Company interview, she shared how seeing others’ “perfect lives and bodies” on platforms like Instagram exacerbated her insecurities. “I had just gone through a painful breakup,” Gomez explained, “and found myself constantly comparing my life to others online.”

The break from social media became a turning point. It allowed her to prioritize her mental health, free from the pressures of maintaining a public image. Today, Gomez is an advocate for mental health and self-acceptance, openly discussing her bipolar diagnosis and emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.

Since her split from Bieber, Gomez has embraced being single and focusing on her own journey. She has been candid about her bipolar disorder diagnosis, which she first shared publicly in a 2020 interview with Miley Cyrus. By being open, Gomez aims to destigmatize mental health challenges and encourage her fans to do the same. In a recent statement, she shared, “I wasn’t ashamed of my diagnosis… I hoped it would lead to healing for both myself and others.”

In her professional life, Gomez continues to thrive. She has earned acclaim for her role in Only Murders in the Building and recently hinted that her upcoming music will reflect a new, positive chapter. She shared with Fast Company, “There’s not a single sad song on [the album].”

Gomez appears to have found peace with her past and let go of any lingering resentment toward Bieber, especially after a viral photo of her and Hailey Bieber together at a recent event seemingly quelled rumors of ongoing tension. Both women have moved forward, with Bieber and Hailey welcoming a new chapter in their lives.

For Gomez, the journey to happiness has been a long one, but her message of self-acceptance and resilience resonates deeply with her fans. As she continues to advocate for mental health and self-care, Gomez is reminding her fans that healing is a journey that takes time—and that it’s okay to take a break when you need it.