'Anxiety, panic attacks and depression' - Why Selena Gomez is going on hiatus

Singer and actress, Selena Gomez. Photo / AP

Selena Gomez is taking a break due to her lupus condition.

The 23-year-old We Don't Talk anymore hitmaker revealed that she has suffered from anxiety and depression as a result of the chronic inflammatory disease, and as a result she will be taking some time off.

Speaking to People magazine Selena explained: "As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways. I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges."

Because of those challenges the singer has decided to take a break from her busy schedule - which has recently involved her Revival tour in support of her 2015 album of the same name - to look after her health.

She said: "I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.

"Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best. I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues."

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Back in May Selena announced that she would donate money from the Revival Tour ticket sales to Alliance for Lupus Research.

A source close to Selena revealed that the star was relieved to understand why she was suffering from anxiety and depression.

The source said: "She decided to clear her calendar for the year in order to have this be her priority for future happiness and didn't want to leave any promoters at bay. She feels relieved that she can now make more sense of why she was feeling the way she was and is optimistic about the future."

- Bang! Showbiz