Back to You singer Selena Gomez, 30, is being honored with the 2022 Morton E. Ruderman Award for Inclusion by the Ruderman Family Foundation for her work in raising awareness and changing the narrative around mental health.
In a thank you video, Gomez tells People magazine that she’s open about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her story in the new documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind
“We know that the stigma attached to mental health has led to the issue being hushed up. I want to change that, especially for young people,” she says in the clip. “I’ve been open and honest about my own journey with my mental health and it hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something I’m constantly working on.”
“I hope that by sharing my story and using my platform, I can encourage others to get the help and support they need to address their mental health,” said the Rare Beauty founder. “Together we can make a difference by destigmatizing mental health, empowering people to engage with their mental health and encouraging others to do the same.”
Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, meanwhile, praised the singer-actress for her commitment to expanding access to mental health services and education for young people. “Selena Gomez powerfully embodies our foundation’s mission in the field of mental health – a mission that is increasingly relevant in today’s unprecedented mental health crisis affecting teenagers, young adults and the wider population,” he said in a statement .
“By drawing inspiration from her personal journey, Selena has given a voice to the struggles of countless people dealing with mental health issues while working tirelessly to improve access to essential mental health resources and programs,” she added Added rudderman.
