Selena Gomez, the force behind Rare Beauty, is shaking up the beauty world and the way we talk about mental health.
SELENA GOMEZ’S MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT
At Rare Beauty’s 4th Annual Mental Health Summit, Gomez made her mission clear.
“The goal was always to bring some sort of mental health access to people in every community because I didn’t have that,” she shared.
“I went through a very weird time until I figured out I was bipolar, and there was clarity there. It seems scary for people, but it allows freedom and more conversation when you release your own story”.
This year’s summit was more than just a gathering. Nearly 200 people-advocates, creators, educators, and students came together to explore what emotional care truly looks like.
SELENA GOMEZ AND RARE BEAUTY
Attendees discussed everything from managing anxiety in our digital world to building self-worth and supporting friends through tough times.
Jay Shetty, author and podcast host, closed the day with a fireside chat. “Sharing your story can be a bridge, not a burden,” he said.
The brand’s Rare Impact Fund has already raised over R244 million (about $13 million) and aims to reach R1.9 billion ($100 million) in 10 years.
The fund supports organisations worldwide, focusing on BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underserved youth. In South Africa, where access to mental health resources can be limited, this kind of global support matters.
REACH OUT TO LOVED ONE’S
Rare Beauty’s grants help fund school-based programmes, teacher training, and peer-led support networks-models that could inspire local initiatives.
The summit also launched the ‘Send Warm Wishes’ campaign. Attendees wrote postcards to loved ones, reminding them they’re not alone.
“Turns out, taking care of your mind can start with reaching out,” Gomez said. Rare Beauty even partnered with Paperless Post, so anyone, anywhere-including South Africans-can send a note of support.
Rare Beauty’s website offers free mental health resources-interactive guides, conversation starters, and videos.
THE POWER OF SUPPORT
These are accessible to anyone, anywhere, and could be a lifeline for those in communities where mental health support is scarce, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Selena Gomez’s story resonates far beyond Hollywood. “I struggled with the world inside my head for a long time and I felt lost and hopeless at times,” she admitted.
“But receiving my diagnosis in 2020 gave me the knowledge and answers I had been desperate for. Understanding my condition made me more aware and less afraid”.
Rare Beauty is not just selling makeup. It’s building a culture of compassion. And as Gomez’s journey shows, sharing your struggles can spark real change-wherever you are in the world.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK CELEBRITIES LIKE SELENA GOMEZ CAN PLAY IN CHANGING THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
