In 2019, during an Instagram Live session with Miley Cyrus, Selena revealed her bipolar disorder diagnosis. She had previously discussed her struggles with anxiety and depression, noting that her diagnosis brought a sense of awareness and relief. In addition to speaking out about her mental health, Selena has taken active steps to promote mental wellness. In 2022, she co-founded “Wondermind” with her mother Mandy Teefey, a platform dedicated to helping people work on their “mental fitness” and navigate their feelings in an inclusive environment.
Among her numerous tattoos, Selena’s semicolon tattoo stands out due to its significant meaning and connection to mental health awareness. In 2017, Selena, along with her “13 Reasons Why” co-stars Tommy Dorfman and Alisha Boe, got matching semicolon tattoos on their wrists. This was a tribute to the show, which Selena executive produced, and its central theme of mental health and suicide prevention.
The semicolon tattoo is more than just body art; it symbolizes mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The semicolon represents a place where an author could have ended a sentence but chose to continue it, mirroring the decision to keep going despite life’s struggles. This symbolism aligns with the mission of Project Semicolon, a non-profit organization supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For Selena, the tattoo is also a personal reminder of her own mental health battles and triumphs.
Selena Gomez has a variety of other meaningful tattoos, each with its own story and significance:
Musical Note: Reportedly her first tattoo, Selena got a small musical note on her right wrist in 2012, signifying the profound impact music has had on her life and honoring her namesake, the late singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez.
“Rare”: Tattooed below her right ear, this tattoo honors her 2020 album “Rare” and her beauty line “Rare Beauty.”
Letter “g”: Located under her left ear, this small tattoo is a tribute to her younger half-sister, Gracie.
Number “1”: A matching tattoo with her best friend Courtney Barry, symbolizing their close bond.
“Love Yourself First”: Tattooed in Arabic on her ribcage, this phrase serves as a personal mantra for self-love and empowerment.
“Sunshine”: On her right foot, this tattoo is believed to be a tribute to her grandmother.
Roman Numeral “76”: Tattooed on the back of her neck, fans speculate this is a tribute to her mother Mandy Teefey, born in 1976.
Selena Gomez’s tattoos are not just decorative; they are deeply personal and meaningful expressions of her life experiences, values, and the people she holds dear. Through her body art and her vocal advocacy, Selena continues to be a powerful voice in the conversation around mental health, using her platform to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.
