Inspirations Inked: How Selena Gomez’s Tattoos Reflect Her Inner Strength

Selena Gomez, a distinguished icon in the world of entertainment, has made her mark not only through her contributions to music and acting but also as a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Her openness about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and her journey following a bipolar disorder diagnosis has resonated with many. Notably, Selena’s commitment to mental health advocacy is symbolized through her meaningful body ink, with her semicolon tattoo taking a prominent place.

In a significant moment during a 2019 Instagram Live chat with Miley Cyrus, Selena shared that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This revelation came after her candid discussions on her battles with anxiety and depression. Understanding her diagnosis brought her a sense of clarity and relief. Beyond sharing her personal experiences, Selena has actively contributed to promoting mental wellness. In 2022, she launched “Wondermind” alongside her mother, Mandy Teefey—a platform committed to fostering mental fitness and providing a supportive community for individuals to express their emotions freely.

Selena’s semicolon tattoo holds profound meaning, especially within the mental health community. She, together with her “13 Reasons Why” colleagues Tommy Dorfman and Alisha Boe, got these matching tattoos in 2017. It was both a nod to the show, which Selena was an executive producer of, and its thematic focus on mental health and the prevention of suicide.

The semicolon tattoo is symbolic, representing a narrative in writing where an author could have concluded a sentence but chose to continue. It mirrors the decision to persevere through life’s challenges, embodying the ethos of Project Semicolon—a non-profit aimed at helping those contending with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. For Selena, this tattoo serves as a continuing reminder of her own struggles and victories over mental health hurdles.

• Musical Note: Believed to be her first tattoo, it’s a small symbol on her right wrist that underscores the pivotal role music plays in her life, paying homage to her namesake, the legendary Selena Quintanilla-Perez.
• “Rare”: Positioned below her right ear, this tattoo celebrates her 2020 album and namesake beauty line, encapsulating the message of self-acceptance and individuality.
• Letter “g”: A discreet tribute to her half-sister, Gracie, placed under her left ear.
• Number “1”: A shared tattoo with her best friend, symbolizing their profound friendship.
• “Love Yourself First”: Inked in Arabic on her ribcage, echoing a powerful mantra of self-love and empowerment.
• “Sunshine”: This tattoo on her right foot is a heartfelt homage to her grandmother.
• Roman Numeral “76”: On the back of her neck, speculated to honor her mother Mandy Teefey, born in 1976.

Selena Gomez’s tattoos are more than mere adornments; they are genuine expressions of her deepest feelings, values, and the cherished ones in her life. Through her body art and outspokenness on mental health, Selena continues to inspire and uphold others navigating similar paths, leveraging her influence to foster greater openness and support within the community.