Selena Gomez fans are devastated after the star announced she is taking some time off as she battles panic attacks, anxiety and depression.

The Come And Get it singer said in a statement that the difficulties she is experiencing are a part of her lupus diagnosis.

She said: “As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways. I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”

Selena Gomez (Rich Fury/AP/PA)
Selena Gomez (Rich Fury/AP)

Selena, 24, said she needs to “face this head on”.

She added: “I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.”

The star’s fans have flooded social media with messages of support, with many using the hashtags #GetWellSoonSelena and #WeAreHereForYouSelena.