Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of the better celebrity documentaries out there—no fluff, no PR spin, just six years of raw footage showing what it actually looks like when someone's struggling with mental health while the world watches.

Gomez's willingness to show herself at her lowest points is both brave and genuinely helpful for destigmatizing mental health conversations. The documentary doesn't offer easy answers or a neat bow-tied ending, which is actually its strength—it shows mental health as an ongoing journey, not a problem you solve once.

For parents of teens: this is worth watching together if your kid is 14+. It opens up conversations that are hard to start otherwise. The 97% critic score isn't hype—it's earned through authenticity. That said, it's heavy. If your teen is currently struggling with mental health, check in about whether they're in a place to watch someone else's struggles, or if it might be too much right now.

Not entertainment in the traditional sense, but deeply valuable viewing for the right audience at the right time.

Age Fit

This is squarely for mature teens (14+) and adults. The mental health content is too intense and nuanced for younger kids, but it's an incredibly valuable watch for high schoolers navigating their own mental health and for parents wanting to understand what their teens might be experiencing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Documentary models vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional honesty about mental health struggles. Gomez's openness about her challenges with lupus, anxiety, and depression demonstrates healthy coping and seeking help. The tone is mature and reflective rather than exploitative, showing genuine human struggle and growth. Some heavy emotional content around mental health crises may be intense for younger viewers.

Imaginative

62

As a documentary, it's inherently observational rather than creatively imaginative. However, the intimate six-year filming approach and raw access to a celebrity's private struggles offers a unique perspective that challenges typical celebrity narratives. It invites viewers to think differently about fame, mental health, and authenticity, but doesn't actively encourage creative expression or exploration.

Safe

65

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, appropriate for mature teens. Contains frank discussions of mental health crises, depression, lupus diagnosis, and emotional breakdowns. No graphic content, violence, or sexual material, but the raw emotional intensity and mental health themes could be triggering for some viewers. The documentary is honest about dark moments without sensationalizing them. Not suitable for younger children due to mature themes.

Enriching

82

Highly enriching for teens and adults regarding mental health awareness, celebrity culture critique, and the importance of seeking help. The 97% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and 94% audience score reflect its impact. Provides valuable perspective on anxiety, depression, and chronic illness while modeling self-advocacy and prioritizing mental health over career. Offers meaningful conversations about fame, authenticity, and what truly matters in life.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely vulnerable portrayal of mental health struggles that destigmatizes therapy, medication, and asking for help
Challenges the glamorous facade of celebrity life and shows what fame actually costs
Excellent conversation starter for teens about anxiety, depression, and prioritizing mental health
Strong critical reception (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) for its authenticity and emotional honesty
Shows a young woman choosing health over career at the peak of her fame—a powerful message about self-worth

⚠

What to Watch For

Emotionally intense scenes of mental health crises and breakdowns that may be heavy for sensitive viewers
Best for teens 14+ who can process mature conversations about depression and anxiety
Not a feel-good documentary—it's honest about dark moments and the ongoing nature of mental health struggles
May be triggering for viewers dealing with similar mental health challenges; watch with awareness

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about how Selena talked about her mental health so openly? Would you feel comfortable doing that?"
"She chose to step back from her career to focus on her health. What do you think about that decision?"
"How do you think social media and fame affect mental health? Would you want to be famous?"
"What surprised you most about what her life is actually like behind the scenes?"
"How can we support friends who might be struggling with anxiety or depression?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me? Put this WISE score on your site