Why Selena Gomez Launched New Wondermind Mental Fitness Platform

In 2018, Selena Gomez got candid about her struggles with mental health. "I've had a lot of issues with depression and anxiety, and I've been very vocal about it," she told Harper's Bazaar, "But it's not something I feel I'll ever overcome." These days, the actress, pop star, and entrepreneur is looking to destigmatize and democratize mental health with her new platform, Wondermind. According to InStyle, Wondermind officially launched on April 4 with its first email newsletter.

Gomez isn't taking up the endeavor on her own. Wondermind has 2 co-founders: Daniella Pierson, who's also the co-founder of Newsette, and Mandy Teefey, who's Gomez's mom and the executive producer of the critically acclaimed Netflix series "13 Reasons Why." Gomez says that it was their individual mental health journeys that connected the 3 of them on a deeper level. "We bonded over the fact that there are no accessible resources for people struggling with their own mental health," she told InStyle.

Motivated by the understanding that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health, Gomez told InStyle that Wondermind was created with the intent of helping people realize that exercising their brains is just as important as exercising their bodies.

One of Gomez's mental fitness exercises involves staying off of social media. The mogul, 29, told Good Morning America that she hasn't been on the internet in 4 and a half years. "It has changed my life completely," she told Good Morning America. "I am happier. I am more present. I connect more with people. It makes me feel normal."

Last December, Gomez told Self that taking care of her mind isn't always easy. On those days, she says simply "picking up the phone and calling someone" is the first thing she does. Another strategy she implements is to pay attention to her triggers so she can begin to understand why she's experiencing negative feelings. Gomez added that working out is also helpful, particularly boxing, as it allows her to release frustration and pinned up energy.