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Selena Gomez Taking Career Hiatus After Lupus Diagnosis

Actress and singer experiencing "anxiety, panic attacks and depression" following Revival World Tour

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August 31, 2016

Selena Gomez Taking Career Hiatus After Lupus Diagnosis

Selena Gomez plans to take time off while dealing with side effects of lupus including “anxiety, panic attacks and depression.” Photo: Courtesy of Hollywood Records

A year after revealing her lupus diagnosis, Selena Gomez has decided to take some time off to deal with side effects of the illness, including “anxiety, panic attacks and depression.” The singer and actress recently wrapped up her Revival World Tour in support of her 2015 album Revival.

“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 told People about her decision. “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, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”

Gomez revealed that she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease before releasing Revival. She had taken some time off before unveiling the album to undergo chemotherapy. “It is not commonly known that depression, anxiety and panic attacks can be side effects of lupus,” Kenneth M. Farber, the co-CEO and co-president of the Lupus Research Alliance told People. “We are so proud of Selena for taking care of herself and bringing awareness to this sometimes very misunderstood illness.”

The “Good for You” singer launched her Revival World Tour earlier this summer with supporting act DNCE. She recently appeared in the filmsNeighbors 2: Sorority Rising and The Fundamentals of Caring. She will star in the upcoming James Franco-helmed drama In Dubious Battle alongside Franco, Nat Wolff, Robert Duvall and Bryan Cranston. She also has plans to produce a “Latina Empire“-styled TV series on Freeform.

Brittany Spanos