LOS ANGELES, Oct 4,(Agencies): Selena Gomez is opening up about one of the most challenging phases of her life. In the latest issue of Fast Company, the 31-year-old Rare Beauty founder delves into how her breakup with Justin Bieber and her bipolar diagnosis prompted her to take an extended hiatus from social media.

Gomez, the "Single Soon" singer, candidly shares with the magazine, "I had just experienced a heartbreaking breakup. I didn't want to witness everyone else's activities." She continues, "Then there were moments when I felt less positive about my appearance because of what I saw on Instagram. It made me wish my body looked like that."

In 2018, Gomez and Bieber concluded their tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship. During this time, the "Lose You to Love Me" singer also received her bipolar disorder diagnosis. Today, Bieber is happily married to Hailey, while Gomez confirms that she is single and embracing life. In 2020, Gomez publicly revealed her diagnosis for the first time during a conversation with Miley Cyrus. She made this choice to inspire her fans and supporters who have been with her throughout various phases of her life.

"I wanted to initiate a conversation," Gomez explains. "I wasn't ashamed, and I wanted it to lead to healing."

Gomez acknowledges that she could no longer conceal her diagnosis due to her fear of not being liked. "I grew up as a people pleaser," she shares. "I had a tremendous responsibility at a very young age, and young people looked up to me. I didn't know my true self. That responsibility made me tiptoe around a lot. I thought that revealing who I truly was might be detrimental. It began to feel like a looming threat that terrified me. I thought, 'If you're not okay, you can't work.'"

She adds, "I went through a profoundly challenging phase. It encompassed my highs and lows, and I felt lost. I didn't know what to do, and I couldn't control it. I would contemplate canceling commitments. It was an agonizing sensation. Therefore, when I received my diagnosis, I felt a sense of relief and understanding. I sought second opinions and consulted with doctors. I am fortunate to have people who assist me in coping every day."

Today, as the star of "Only Murders in the Building," Gomez asserts that she is no longer a "sad girl," and her upcoming music serves as evidence. "I have a penchant for creating sad-girl music; I excel at it," she says about her latest creative phase. "However, I can't genuinely compose that when I'm not feeling sad. I had to rediscover what being myself and being happy meant. There isn't a single melancholic song on this entire album."

While Gomez revels in her current state of success and contentment, she acknowledges the possibility of having challenging days in the future. She states, "I've never promised anyone that I won't experience a bad day again. I have always been honest with my fans. Even when I take breaks from social media, I make it known that I am taking a break."