Selena has shared that the path to feeling better can be lengthy and unpredictable.
During the Massachusetts hospital’s annual gala in September 2019, while accepting the McLean Award for advancing the public’s understanding of psychiatric illness and mental health, she revealed, “In 2018, I was dealing with significant mental and emotional struggles. I couldn’t keep it all together. Maintaining a smile or appearing normal seemed impossible. It felt like a tidal wave of pain and anxiety crashed over me simultaneously, making it one of the most terrifying moments of my life.”
She continued, “I sought out support, and the doctors provided me with a clear diagnosis. When I received that information, I felt both terrified and relieved. Terrified because the facade was stripped away, but relieved to finally have an explanation for years of suffering from depression and anxiety.”
Expressing gratitude for her support system, she remarked, “This doesn’t mean everything magically disappeared, but I can confidently say that after a year of intensive work, I am now happier, healthier, and more in control of my emotions and thoughts than ever before.”