Mandy Teefey Stands Up for Selena Gomez: Defends Her Frequent Social Media Breaks Amid Mental Health Struggles
3 min readSelena Gomez, beloved pop sensation and mental health advocate, has been making headlines lately, not just for her chart-topping hits, but for her decision to take frequent breaks from social media. While some may raise eyebrows at this practice in our hyperconnected world, Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, is quick to defend her daughter’s actions.
Selena Gomez’s mom supports her social media breaks
Teefey, co-founder of Wondermind, a mental health network aimed at destigmatizing mental health, emphasized that Selena’s social media breaks are essential for her well-being. In an interview with Elite Daily, Teefey highlighted that the length of these breaks is solely determined by what Selena needs at that particular time. “It’s just whatever time Selena needs, she gives herself,” Teefey stated, echoing the importance of self-care and prioritizing mental health.
Selena Gomez's mom, Mandy Teefey, defends her daughter amidst her frequent mental health breaks from social media
— TheRecentTimes (@Recent_Times) February 10, 2024
source: Elite Daily pic.twitter.com/h4SE546Srb
Gomez herself has been candid about the impact of social media on her mental well-being. In 2022, she spoke on “Good Morning America” about the transformative effect of her nearly five-year hiatus from the online world. “It has changed my life completely,” Gomez revealed. “I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people.” Her experience underscores the power of stepping back from the digital noise to regain clarity and focus on what truly matters.
The recent uproar surrounding Gomez’s social media breaks stemmed from her animated conversation with Taylor Swift and Keleigh Sperry at the 2024 Golden Globes. A lip reader’s interpretation fueled speculation about an uncomfortable encounter with Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. Despite the frenzy, Gomez’s decision to step away from social media shortly after the incident demonstrates her commitment to prioritizing her mental health over online chatter.
Selena Gomez cleared the air about her viral conversation with Taylor Swift at the #GoldenGlobes — and announced another social media break. #BillboardNews pic.twitter.com/EjWnhkKEoF
— billboard (@billboard) January 10, 2024
This isn’t the first time Selena Gomez has taken a hiatus from social media. In fact, she’s made it a habit to unplug when necessary. Nearly a year ago, she temporarily logged off after facing drama involving Jenner and Hailey Bieber. In a candid moment, Gomez humorously remarked, “I’m too old for this,” before signing off. Her ability to recognize when online interactions become overwhelming is a testament to her self-awareness and resilience.
In a world where likes, comments, and shares often dictate one’s sense of worth, Gomez’s approach serves as a refreshing reminder that self-care should always come first. Her willingness to set boundaries and prioritize her mental well-being sends a powerful message to her millions of followers: It’s okay to take a break, to disconnect, and to focus on what truly matters.
Furthermore, Gomez’s advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences. Through initiatives like Wondermind, she strives to create a more supportive and understanding environment for those grappling with mental health challenges. By openly discussing her struggles and modeling self-care practices, Gomez empowers others to prioritize their mental well-being in a world that often glorifies hustle culture and constant connectivity.
In essence, Selena Gomez’s social media breaks are not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength and self-awareness. In a society where burnout is rampant and digital overload is the norm, Gomez’s approach serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the importance of listening to our own needs and taking the necessary steps to nurture our mental health. As Gomez herself once said, “It’s just whatever time Selena needs, she gives herself,” a mantra we could all benefit from adopting in our own lives.