Selena Gomez, a multi-talented singer and actor, has been candid about her health challenges, opening a window into the realities of living with chronic illnesses. Recently, in an emotional interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez revealed a deeply personal struggle that resonated with many — her inability to carry children due to medical issues.

As she navigates this difficult reality, Gomez sheds light on her broader health battles, including lupus, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The 32-year-old did not disclose the specific medical condition during the interview, but she has previously been open about her 2015 lupus diagnosis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. The following year, she was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression, both of which can be associated with lupus and the medications used to treat it.

Impact of Lupus on Gomez's Health

Gomez's journey with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, has been at the forefront of her health battles. She was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, a revelation that came after years of mysterious symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and swelling.

Lupus can affect various organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs, and its unpredictable nature makes it a particularly difficult illness to manage.

In 2017, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant, a lifesaving procedure made necessary by the damage lupus had inflicted on her kidneys. The transplant, which was donated by her close friend Francia Raisa, was a turning point in her health journey, but it also underscored the severity of her condition.

While the surgery provided some relief, lupus remains a chronic illness, and the battle is ongoing.

Lupus, as a medical condition, comes with a host of complications, many of which can affect reproductive health. Women with lupus are often advised against pregnancy, as the disease, combined with the medications required to manage it, can lead to high-risk pregnancies.

In Gomez’s case, her condition, coupled with other health concerns, has made pregnancy too dangerous, a reality she has had to come to terms with.

Bipolar Disorder and the Challenge of Medications

In addition to lupus, Gomez has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can range from depressive lows to manic highs. Bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage on its own, but the medications used to treat it can pose additional health risks, particularly when it comes to pregnancy.

Gomez has been open about her mental health struggles, revealing in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a particularly difficult period during which she experienced a psychotic episode. This episode, marked by hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, led her to seek treatment, and she has since found a combination of medications that helps her manage her symptoms.

However, these medications come with their own set of complications. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2022, Gomez shared that the medications she takes for bipolar disorder could make pregnancy unsafe. This added another layer of complexity to her desire for motherhood, as the risk posed by both her mental and physical health conditions meant that carrying a child would be too dangerous.

"Did not want to put the baby’s life in jeopardy"- Grieving the Loss of Traditional Motherhood

One of the most emotional aspects of Gomez’s recent revelations is the grief she has experienced over her inability to carry a child. In her interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about how difficult it was to accept that pregnancy would put both her life and the baby’s in jeopardy.

“That was something I had to grieve for a while,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll that this realization took on her.

For many women, the ability to conceive and carry a child is a deeply personal and important part of their life plan. The societal expectation that motherhood is a natural next step in life can add additional pressure. For Gomez, this expectation was something she had envisioned for herself, particularly as she approached her mid-30s.

The idea of having to let go of this vision was heartbreaking, and she has been open about the emotional journey she has been on to come to terms with it.

However, Gomez’s story also speaks to the strength of her resilience. While she has grieved the loss of traditional motherhood, she has also embraced the possibility of becoming a parent through alternative means.

Adoption and surrogacy are two options that Gomez has considered, and she has expressed gratitude for the availability of these paths to parenthood. “I’m excited for what that journey will look like, but it’ll look a little different,” she said. “At the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby.”

Infertility and Chronic Illness

Gomez’s story highlights a larger issue that affects many women — the intersection of chronic illness and infertility. Conditions like lupus, bipolar disorder, and the medications required to manage them can significantly impact reproductive health.

For women with these conditions, the decision to start a family is not always straightforward, and in many cases, pregnancy may not be a viable option.

The emotional toll of infertility, especially when it is compounded by chronic illness, can be devastating. For women, who had envisioned a future that included biological children, the reality of infertility can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and frustration.

Conditions That Can Possibly Affect Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a complex process, and various physical and mental health conditions can significantly impact a woman's ability to conceive or carry a child to term. Below are some common conditions, both biological and mental, that can affect pregnancy:

1. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. For women like Selena Gomez, lupus can pose serious risks during pregnancy, including complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and increased risk of miscarriage. Medications taken to manage lupus may also affect fertility or the health of a developing fetus, requiring close medical supervision.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and fertility. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of male hormones, which can hinder pregnancy. PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and potentially leading to fertility problems. Women with endometriosis may face difficulties with conception and are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Mental health plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes. Bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, can complicate pregnancy if not managed properly. The medications used to treat bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers, may pose risks to a developing fetus, including birth defects or developmental delays. As in Gomez’s case, ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder might make pregnancy unsafe without proper medical adjustments.

5. Anxiety and Depression

Chronic anxiety and depression can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy. These conditions can interfere with hormone regulation, making conception more difficult. In pregnant women, untreated anxiety and depression are linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the medications used to manage these mental health issues may need to be altered during pregnancy to minimize risks to the baby.

6. Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2 diabetes, can lead to complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels can result in birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Additionally, pregnant women with diabetes may be more likely to experience preeclampsia and premature delivery.

7. Thyroid Disorders

Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can impact fertility and pregnancy. These conditions may cause irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems, making it difficult to conceive. During pregnancy, thyroid disorders can lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the baby.

8. Obesity

Obesity can complicate pregnancy by increasing the risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Women with obesity may also experience difficulties with fertility due to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is essential for reducing these risks.

9. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Chronic hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, restricted fetal growth, and premature birth. Women with hypertension may need careful monitoring and medication adjustments to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

However, Gomez’s openness about her journey offers a message of hope. By sharing her story, she is helping to normalize conversations around infertility, chronic illness, and the alternative paths to motherhood that many women are exploring.

Selena Gomez’s health journey serves as a reminder that chronic illness can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health to their mental well-being and even their ability to start a family. Her story is one of strength, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that, despite the obstacles, there are still countless possibilities for joy and fulfillment.

Global warming is changing how diseases spread, and dengue fever is a prime example. Once mostly found in tropical areas, this mosquito-borne illness could increase by as much as 76% in parts of Asia and the Americas by 2050.

This is according to a new, comprehensive study that found that even small increases in temperature are significantly boosting the disease's spread. The research provides the first direct evidence that a warming climate has already made dengue more widespread.

Dengue fever can cause flu-like symptoms, and without proper care, it can lead to severe bleeding and even organ failure.

What Does "Goldilocks Zone" for Dengue Mean?

Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus do best in a certain temperature range. The number of dengue cases is highest when the temperature is around 82°F. This "Goldilocks Zone" means that a small rise in temperature can cause a big increase in the disease. For example, places that were once too cool for dengue are now becoming perfect for it, leading to a big increase in cases in countries like Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.

The study found that climate change was responsible for an extra 4.6 million dengue infections each year between 1995 and 2014. Depending on how much more the planet warms, cases could go up by another 49% to 76% by 2050.

How Can We Protect Our Health From Rising Dengue?

With warmer weather and the monsoon season, there's a sharp rise in diseases like dengue and malaria, as well as viral fevers and respiratory infections. According to Dr. Neha Sharma, Attending Consultant at Fortis Hospital, these illnesses can severely affect vital organs. For example, dengue can harm the liver and platelets, while untreated malaria may damage the kidneys and brain. Dr. Sharma advises people to be aware of the early symptoms, such as:

• Persistent high fever
• Severe body ache and rashes
• Sudden fatigue or unexplained vomiting
• Sudden breathlessness or a drop in urine output

If you experience these symptoms for more than 48 hours, she recommends getting blood tests like a CBC, dengue NS1, and malaria antigen test to get an early diagnosis. Other important diagnostic tools include a chest X-ray and an ultrasound of the abdomen. She also highlights crucial precautions that are often overlooked:

• Avoid walking in floodwaters to prevent infections like leptospirosis.
• Regularly clean AC filters and damp areas to stop bacterial and fungal growth.
• Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen these infections.
• Do not self-medicate with painkillers or antibiotics, as this can hide symptoms and lead to worse complications.

How Can Be Combat Illnesses Like Dengue On A Global Scale

The researchers say their estimates are likely on the conservative side, as they don't include data from large areas like India or Africa where detailed information is hard to get. The recent appearance of dengue cases in parts of the U.S. and Europe shows that the disease is already expanding its reach. To combat this growing threat, the study highlights two crucial approaches:

Climate Mitigation

By reducing greenhouse gases, we can lessen the future spread of dengue. By reducing greenhouse gases, we can lessen the future spread of dengue.

Adaptation

We need to improve ways to control mosquitoes, make our healthcare systems stronger, and get ready to use new vaccines.

The findings from this study could also be used to hold governments and companies accountable for the damages caused by climate change. As one of the study's authors noted, climate change is not just about the weather—it's having a direct and dangerous effect on human health.

Striving to do well is part of being human. But when “doing well” quietly shifts into “never enough,” the weight can become unbearable. For most perfectionists, that drive that initially felt like motivation can start tearing their mental well-being down, ensnaring them in loops of self-blame and hopelessness. New research indicates that this constant striving for perfection is not only emotionally depleting—it could potentially be deadly, increasing the likelihood of suicidal thinking and behavior.

Perfectionism is even lauded as a badge of achievement. The student with impeccable grades, the colleague who always meets deadlines, the parent seeking the TV-perfect family—all are qualities society is wont to valorize. But a study at the University of Ontario in Canada introduces a cautionary note: perfectionism might have an unseen price tag. Beyond worry and burnout, it might heighten the risk of suicide ideation.

When researchers analyzed 45 studies with more than 11,700 participants, they found 13 out of 15 measures of perfectionism were linked to elevated suicidal thoughts. The strongest associations came from what psychologists call “socially prescribed perfectionism”—feeling pressured to meet the expectations of parents, teachers, bosses, or society at large. Unlike striving for personal excellence, this kind of perfectionism fuels a sense of never being enough.

As the study, published in the Journal of Personality, puts it: perfectionists “are their own worst critics; good enough is never enough.”

How Is Perfectionism Linked To Suicidal Ideation?

The findings go beyond isolated cases. A 2007 study interviewing friends and families of suicide victims found more than half described their loved ones as perfectionists. In 2013, researchers noted that over 70% of young men who had died by suicide had placed extraordinarily high demands on themselves.

The University of Ontario analysis helps clarify the picture. While traits like being tidy, organized, or holding others to high standards did not predict suicidality, internalized pressure—especially when tied to others’ expectations—was consistently associated with higher risk. Importantly, longitudinal studies confirmed that perfectionism can precede suicidal thinking, not just co-occur with it.

This matters because suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 44,000 lives annually. Millions more engage in self-harm or struggle with intrusive suicidal thoughts. If perfectionism truly contributes to that risk, it warrants serious attention.

When Achievement Culture Turns Toxic

Perfectionism does not exist in a vacuum. Cultural, educational, and economic forces shape the pressure individuals feel to succeed. Journalist Jennifer Wallace explored this in her 2023 bestseller Never Enough, which captured the voice of parents in high-achieving communities. In surveys with over 6,500 respondents, 73% said selective college admissions were seen as essential to future success, while 83% admitted they viewed their children’s achievements as reflections of their own parenting. Yet nearly nine out of ten wished childhood could be less stressful.

That tension mirrors what psychologists like Thomas Curran at the London School of Economics call “toxic achievement culture.” Young people are growing up in environments where their worth seems tethered to test scores, trophies, and résumés. For perfectionists, this can be suffocating. Instead of striving for growth, they spiral into fear of failure.

The concept of “mattering” has emerged as a counterweight. Defined as the feeling that one is valued and adds value beyond accomplishments, mattering provides a buffer against perfectionism’s corrosive effects. It shifts the focus from being impressive to being important—to one’s family, peers, and community.

Role of Sleep As A Hidden Risk Factors

Perfectionism isn’t the only trait linked to suicide ideation. New research highlights another, often overlooked factor: sleep disturbance. A Stanford Medicine-led study tracking nearly 9,000 children found that kids with frequent nightmares or chronic sleep problems at age 9 or 10 were significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts or behaviors by age 12.

The reasons may lie in the role of REM sleep in processing emotions. Nightmares that are repetitive and distressing disrupt this process, leaving children vulnerable to emotional dysregulation. Encouragingly, treatments like imagery rehearsal therapy—a method of rewriting recurring nightmares—have proven effective and medication-free.

These findings underscore a larger truth: suicide risk is rarely explained by a single factor. Perfectionism, sleep problems, family conflict, depression—all can interact in ways that push vulnerable individuals toward crisis. The challenge for clinicians and families is to identify these patterns early.

Why Perfectionism Can Be So Dangerous For Your Life?

What makes perfectionism distinct from healthy ambition is its rigidity. Excellence allows for mistakes as part of learning. Perfectionism views mistakes as proof of inadequacy. A perfectionist may think, “If I don’t succeed flawlessly, I’ve failed entirely.” This all-or-nothing mindset breeds chronic dissatisfaction, shame, and hopelessness.

Complicating matters, perfectionists tend to be conscientious. This can make them more likely not just to contemplate suicide but to plan and follow through with it. The same discipline that earns them academic medals or career promotions can tragically increase the lethality of their actions.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Experts agree that more research is needed. The bulk of current studies focus on White, Western populations, leaving open questions about cultural differences. Longitudinal studies remain limited, and it is unclear how much perfectionism contributes to suicide risk compared to depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Still, the evidence is strong enough to demand action. For parents, educators, and health professionals, the message is not to eliminate high standards but to reshape them. Children and adults alike need to know that they matter even when they stumble. For communities, it means fostering environments where effort and growth are valued over flawless outcomes. For clinicians, it calls for assessing perfectionism as part of suicide risk screenings.

Shifting the conversation

Perhaps the hardest step is cultural. In a world that constantly rewards “the best,” redefining success as resilience, creativity, and connection is not simple. But it may be lifesaving.

As the University of Ontario researchers warned, perfectionists live “in an endless loop of self-defeating over-striving.” Breaking that loop requires both personal support and societal change.

Suicide prevention is never about a single fix. It’s about noticing when someone’s pursuit of perfection is masking pain, addressing the risk factors we can, and reminding people that being human—not perfect—is enough.

High achievers, caring parents, ambitious students, or dedicated professionals—all can fall into the trap of believing they must constantly prove their worth. What this really means is that even the strongest, most capable people may quietly wrestle with feelings of failure or not being “good enough.”

It’s far more common than we often admit. Many of us have felt the sting of comparing ourselves to others or the exhaustion of holding ourselves to impossible standards. That doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.

What can make a difference is not carrying the weight alone. Opening up to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can be the first step toward relief. Sometimes, all it takes is hearing someone say, “I’ve felt that way too,” to break the silence. Sharing your struggles doesn’t burden others, it gives them a chance to be there for you. And often, they may have wisdom or simply empathy that lightens the load in ways you didn’t expect.

It’s okay to seek help. It’s okay to not be perfect. And it’s more than okay to let others walk alongside you when life feels heavy.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In the United Kingdom, you can dial 111 for urgent support. In India, you can seek support at iCALL Helpline on 9152987821. If you are elsewhere, please check local resources or call your nearest emergency number immediately. You are not alone, and support is available.

Sometimes answers to simple issues can take longer than we’d expect. Many people who struggled with ADHD never got a formal diagnosis until later in life. The sense of understanding prevails as all the things they thought were a personal problem turned out to be due to their untreated mental health problem. This is the exact situation that Martha Plimpton shared.

"The Goonies" star Martha Plimpton recently shared that she felt a sense of "relief" after being diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) four years ago, at the age of 50. In an interview with Page Six, she explained that the diagnosis helped many past experiences make sense. Plimpton wore a necklace spelling out "ADHD" to a recent movie premiere to show that she's "not ashamed" and is happy to share her journey with the world.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a developmental disorder defined by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that people with ADHD often struggle with focusing, staying on task, and controlling their impulses. It is considered a developmental disorder because it begins in childhood, but it often continues into adulthood. For adults, ADHD symptoms can show up in different ways, affecting their home life, school, or work.

While many people do know about ADHD, there are still many misconceptions about it.

Can Adults Have ADHD?

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is different from diagnosing it in children. An adult must have shown symptoms before the age of 12. Since it's often hard to remember that far back, a doctor may talk to family members, partners, or friends and review old school records to understand the person's behavior during childhood.

For an official diagnosis, an adult needs to show at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. A doctor may also have the person complete interviews, checklists, or psychological tests to rule out other conditions and create a treatment plan.

Many people are not diagnosed until they are adults because their symptoms might have been mild in childhood or they had a supportive environment that helped them cope. ADHD in girls and women has also been historically overlooked, but diagnosis rates are now evening out. It's never too late to seek a diagnosis and find a treatment that works.

What Are The Benefits of ADHD Diagnosis?

The American Psychological Association (APA) explains that getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be life-changing. It provides a deeper understanding of past struggles and can lead to improved self-esteem. One study found that adults with a formal diagnosis reported a higher quality of life, including better work productivity and functional performance, compared to those with similar symptoms who were undiagnosed.

What Does Treatment for Adult ADHD Look Like?

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for adults with ADHD. The most common approach combines different methods, and what works best can vary from person to person.

Medication

The most common medications are stimulants, which can help reduce symptoms.

Psychotherapy

This includes therapies like behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy, which teach people coping strategies.

Coaching

Some adults find it helpful to work with a life or ADHD coach to learn skills for daily tasks, like time management and organization.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple changes like getting more physical exercise can also help manage symptoms.

People with severe ADHD that affects their work may also be eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).