Selena Gomez to take time off from her career after struggles with lupus

Selena Gomez is taking some much needed time for herself.

Following a serious struggle with lupus, the 24-year-old singer has been traveling over the past few months for her Revival World Tour. Though Gomez has been delighting fans with her performances, it seems as though her journey hasn't been the smoothest.

"As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways," Gomez told People in a statement on Tuesday. "I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges."

The singer and actress said she had decided to take time off to focus on her health. It has not yet been confirmed whether her tour, which is meant to finish in December, will be cancelled.

In addition to thanking her fans for their support, Gomez told People, " ... I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best. I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues."

In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Gomez opened up about her private health issues and addressed checking herself into an Arizona rehab facility back in 2014.

After rumors of depression and addiction swirled around, Gomez explained, "I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about ... I wanted so badly to say, 'You guys have no idea. I’m in chemotherapy. You’re assholes...' I locked myself away until I was confident and comfortable again."

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to turn against important parts of the body it is designed to protect. Though the symptoms can not always be seen by others, an estimated 5 million people who live with lupus worldwide often suffer from damaged joints, skin or internal organs like kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, the heart or even the brain.

According to the Lupus Research Alliance, some of the most common symptoms that occur in "flares" include, "extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes and kidney problems.” Though there is currently no cure for the disease, it can be managed with drugs, and those who have it can go into remission.

Before Gomez's 2016 Revial World Tour, her representative announced to Billboard in May that she would be donating proceeds from each concert ticket sold to the Lupus Research Alliance.

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There have been smaller indications Gomez was struggling during her tour. In July, two months after starting her tour, Gomez posted an emotionally reflective message to fans on Instagram saying she felt "extremely unauthentic" and "unconnected" to herself and her music.

In the post -- which has since been deleted -- Gomez wrote, "... I act on a moment or fear something that hasn't happened. I'm stagnant, I stay still and don't just sit with myself first and ask 'is this where I am, wholeheartedly?'...I've always told the truth. I'm always true to my word, I've shown who I am but I need to rethink some areas of my life creatively and personally."

Earlier in August, another Instagram incident occurred -- this time involving Selena's ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber.

After Justin posted several Instagram photos of himself with his new rumored girlfriend, Sophie Richie, fans began to write negative comments under the images. In a separate Instagram post, Bieber told his fans that if the aggressive comments didn't stop he would make his Instagram account private, and when Gomez caught wind of the drama she decided to chime in.

"If you can't handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol..." she wrote. Justin then responded to Gomez's comment, accusing her of using him for attention, but Selena quickly fired back with allegations that Bieber cheated on her multiples times while they were together.

Following their social media exchange, Justin deleted his Instagram account and has yet to permanently re-activate it.

Kenneth M. Farber, the co-CEO and -president of the Lupus Research Alliance, told People that he was proud Gomez was raising awareness for lupus, despite her symptoms not being commonly associated with the illness.

"It is not commonly known that depression, anxiety and panic attacks can be side effects of lupus. We are so proud of Selena for taking care of herself and bringing awareness to this sometimes very misunderstood illness," he said.

Following her decision to take a break from her career, the Lupus Research Alliance tweeted Gomez a message of support: "Sending our very best to @selenagomez. Thank you for being such a strong voice for the #lupus community."

This isn’t the first time the singer has taken a break during her tour. Back in 2013 after she was diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune disease, Gomez cancelled the end of her Stars Dance tour early to take time for herself.

Mashable reached out to Selena Gomez's publicist and the Lupus Research Alliance for comment and are awaiting a response.