Anxiety (feat. Julia Michaels)

Selena Gomez's song 'Anxiety,' featuring Julia Michaels, delves deep into the often misunderstood and stigmatized world of mental health struggles. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal battles faced by those dealing with anxiety and depression. Gomez opens up about her personal experiences, describing how her mental health issues often isolate her from her friends and social activities. The line 'I'm holding hands with my depression' poignantly captures the inescapable grip of these conditions, while 'Anxiety starts kicking in to teach that shit a lesson' highlights the relentless cycle of mental health challenges.

The song also touches on the societal pressures and misunderstandings surrounding mental health. Gomez expresses frustration with the oversimplified solutions often suggested by others, such as taking medication to 'fix' the problem. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, 'I've been told that I could take something to fix it / Damn, I wish it, I wish it was that simple.' The song underscores the complexity of mental health issues and the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all solutions. Gomez's candid admission that her friends 'don't know what it's like' emphasizes the isolation and lack of understanding that often accompanies mental health struggles.

Throughout the song, Gomez also explores the theme of self-acceptance and the difficulty of navigating relationships while dealing with mental health issues. She acknowledges her own challenges, admitting that her exes find her 'hard to deal with,' yet she remains unapologetic for her feelings. This raw honesty is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-compassion and the need for greater empathy and understanding from others. 'Anxiety' serves as both a personal catharsis for Gomez and a broader call to action for society to better understand and support those dealing with mental health issues.