Celebrities are idolized for their work. Basketball players inspire many young children to pursue a career in athletics. Singers with angelic voices encourage young stars to work on their musical abilities. But not many consider the harmful effect this leaves the celebrities with. Despite their immense fame, celebrities are still humans. 

Disney star-turned pop sensation Selena Gomez released her documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me” on Apple TV on Nov 4. Gomez almost decided not to release the film because of the extreme vulnerability she displayed within it. However, Gomez shared that she was encouraged to release the documentary in order to prove to others enduring hardships that they are not alone. 

“The more you learn about it, the less you’re going to be afraid of it,” Gomez said in the documentary.

The idea that knowledge eases fear and the hope to prove to audiences that everything will be okay are both a large part of Gomez’s purpose in making her film. She wants to help others who are suffering in similar ways to herself, both physically and mentally. Audiences see Gomez’s perspective on the effect that fame has on celebrities, as well as the physical and mental challenges that she has faced over the years. 

“I think my past and my mistakes,” Gomez said, “that’s what drives me into depression.”

Gomez is haunted by her past, as she constantly fears not being able to escape the stereotype of a typical “Disney girl” following her time on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” ten years after the show ended. This fear stems from being asked shallow and unimportant questions and feeling that her answers to the occasional serious ones are immediately disregarded. Gomez wishes to have a profound impact on the world rather than a superficial one. 

 Gomez feels great overwhelm due to her role as a celebrity in the public view. She consistently feels criticized in every move she makes. Although some crave being in the spotlight, Gomez shares that she desires a quiet, normal life away from the paparazzi and millions of fans. However, the film perfectly delves into Gomez’s trauma and is just vulnerable enough without strictly being a sob story. 

Gomez suffers from anxiety, bipolar disorder and an autoimmune disease called Lupus. The challenges that come with these medical issues drive her to use her experiences to inspire others and help the individuals around her.

Gomez has also partaken in several philanthropic efforts. Gomez traveled to Kenya in 2019 with WE Care, a charitable organization that helps those with mental and physical barriers, and reveals that this time in her life was her best. Gomez feels free and escapes in Kenya, and is able to help those living there mentally and physically.  Her life experiences in recent years are perfectly compacted through the documentary to inspire viewers.

Throughout the documentary, Gomez also reflects on her average life before stardom. She sees neighbors and old friends and reflects on her previous life which was completely flipped upside down. The documentary explores the low points of her life through vulnerable videos and voice overs. These experiences that Gomez has gone through convince audiences that they are not alone and inspire people to follow her lead and give back to those in need.