After taking some time away from social media in September, Selena Gomez has finally returned to Instagram on Monday with some empowering and heartfelt words.
“It’s been awhile since you have heard from me, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year and to thank you for the love and support,” the 26-year-old captioned the Instagram photo of herself. “Last year was definitely a year of self-reflection, challenges and growth. It’s always those challenges which show you who you are and what you are capable of overcoming. Trust me, it’s not easy, but I am proud of the person I am becoming and look forward to the year ahead. Love you all.”
While the message doesn’t go into depth about everything Gomez has experienced in 2018, it’s obvious she’s ready for the new year. The singer started a social media hiatus in September of 2018. In an Instagram Story post, she explained that she would be stepping away from the platform after receiving some hate on social media.
“Update: taking a social media break. Again. As much as I am grateful for the voice that social media gives each of us, I am equally grateful to be able to step back and live my life present to the moment I have been given,” she wrote. “Kindness and encouragement only for a bit! Just remember—negative comments can hurt anybody’s feelings. Obvi.”
TMZ reported in October that Gomez had sought treatment for her mental health after reportedly suffering from a panic attack during a hospital visit for her low white blood cell count. This can be a common complication for kidney transplant patients.
A source told People about the incident, stating that “the panic attack in the hospital was the tipping point” and she needed to enter treatment in order to fully recover. “She realized she needed to seek additional help for her ongoing emotional issues,” the source told People. “She’s surrounded by close family and has a lot of support. She’s doing better now and is seeking treatment on the east coast.”
In recent weeks, Gomez went on a snow-tubing trip with her girls, starred in a Pantene commercial, and snapped a pic with Taylor Swift and Cazzie David.
After what seemed like a difficult 2018 for Selena Gomez, we are so happy that she seems to be in a better place!