Selena Gomez has released a surprise new single with friend Julia Michaels, ‘Anxiety’, featured on Michaels’ new album Inner Monologues Part 1. The singer and songwriter who’s worked on Gomez’s music in the past shared a glimpse of the tracklist over the weekend, which revealed that Gomez would be featured on the album’s first song.
The song is an intimate song written by Michaels that focuses on the effect anxiety has on relationships and how few people understand what it’s truly like to go through. The track has very personal roots for Gomez, who has sought treatment for anxiety in the past, often speaking out on her struggle with it.
Gomez confirmed that much when she announced the single’s release on her Instagram today. “My sweet soul sister. Julia you have been a huge part of my life,” she wrote to Michaels. “You have taught me how to have courage when I have self-doubt. This song is extremely close to my heart as I’ve experienced anxiety and know a lot of my friends do too. You’re never alone if you feel this way. The message is much needed and I really hope you guys like it!”
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Speaking to Harpers Bazaar last year about how she accepted that she may never overcome her anxiety, but she is focusing on taking care of herself.
Gomez said, “Anyone who knows me knows I will always start with my health and my well-being. I’ve had a lot of issues with depression and anxiety, and I’ve been very vocal about it, but it’s not something I feel I’ll ever overcome. There won’t be a day when I’m like, ‘Here I am in a pretty dress—I won!’ I think it’s a battle I’m gonna have to face for the rest of my life, and I’m okay with that because I know that I’m choosing myself over anything else. I’m starting my year off with that thought. I want to make sure I’m healthy. If that’s good, everything else will fall into place.”
In that same interview, she also touched on why she’s delayed releasing music.”My next album has been forever in the making. When people ask me why, I’m honest about it: It’s because I haven’t been ready. I mean, point-blank, I don’t feel confident enough in where my music is yet. If that takes 10 years, then it takes 10 years. I don’t care. Right now I just want to be super intentional with all of the things I’m doing.”
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This article originally appeared on InStyle Australia.