Selena Gomez Opens Up About Feeling 'Really Violated' As A Young Star & The 'Slimy' Downside Of Fame

"I think it changed when I started getting known for things that weren't [related to] my work. That's when my passion started to really feel like it was going further and further away. And that scared me."

"When I was younger, it was all fun to me. When I did state fairs and 100 people would show up, I would be stoked. That was the best feeling in the world. But when I got older, I started to become exposed to the truth behind some stuff and that's when it flipped a little bit. I realized that, 'Oh this is actually really hard, and kind of slimy in certain areas,' and I didn't realize that certain people wanted certain things from me. My confidence went through a lot with that."

"I remember just feeling really violated when I was younger, even just being on the beach. I was maybe 15 or 16 and people were taking pictures — photographers. I don't think anyone really knew who I was. But I felt very violated and I didn't like it or understand it, and that felt very weird, because I was a young girl and they were grown men. I didn't like that feeling."

"Then, I would say the last season of my show, I was probably 18 years old, is when I felt like the flip happened. I didn't feel like it was about my art as much. I was on the fourth season of the show, and I felt like I was outgrowing it. I wanted something different and obviously I fell in love for the first time. There was all this stuff that was happening and I didn't know what to do."

"Well I stopped as well. I stopped and then I continued, because I realized that I needed to challenge myself. Do I really love this? Is this worth it anymore? I would look at my crowd on tour and think, 'Yes, this is worth it, right?' But then I would look at myself in the mirror and I just felt like 'I've had enough, I don't know if I can go on anymore.' And I stopped it for a second. But it didn't mean that I didn't love it, I just had to find what I was going to do with it. As long as I'm healthy and happy in my mind, I'm all about it."

"I've been through a lot, and I was so young, and there were so many moments where I felt like, 'You know what, I'm done.' But there is this fire in me that I can't explain. I'll have two days off and it burns. There's something inside me that knows I'm supposed to be doing something. I want to be communicating and creating and being stimulated. I want to keep doing things, keep progressing. I always want to challenge myself. So, I want to do the best that I can possibly do. It's cheesy but it's the truth."

On how she copes with being in the spotlight: "Balance the power of saying no and self-care. I have to take care of myself and not feel guilty about it. I will say no when I need to say no, and I will make sure that I will not overdo everything because I feel like if I don't accept everything that's happening then maybe it seems like I'm ungrateful, or I'm not doing enough. I just have to take care of myself. Therapy, faith, hard work, kindness. That's it."

On what makes her happy: "My boyfriend [The Weeknd] just got me a beautiful Chanel bag, and [I love it.] It wasn't because it was a Chanel bag, it's because of where it came from and what it meant. So I wear it so proudly, and I feel cute when I have it on. I feel like, 'I love this!' it makes me so happy. It literally just happened so all my friends are laughing because every time I have it on, I feel a certain way. And that to me is an experience. I see both sides, because I get to work and do different things. My job requires me to travel but I've been to a lot of places and I've seen nothing, so there's that too."

Selena Gomez Received Kidney Transplant From Bestie Francia Raisa

What an incredible gift.

As some of you may've noticed, Selena Gomez has been laying low quite a bit this summer. However, on Thursday, the Fetish singer took to Instagram to explain that she has a good reason for being MIA. It appears the former Disney darling needed to get a kidney transplant over complications from her Lupus disease.

Related: Selena Opens Up About Feeling "Really Violated" As A Young Star

Alongside the pic (above), the A-lister shared:

"I'm very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn't promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of. So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery."

Intense stuff. Regardless, we're just happy that Selly G is doing everything in her power to stay healthy.

The Weeknd's lady also made sure to thank pal Francia Raisa for selflessly donating her kidney. On The Secret Life of the American Teenager actress' generosity, the industry vet added:

"And finally, there aren't words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made."

We're not crying, YOU ARE. We're sure Selena's fans are also grateful for Francia's act of kindness.

Be sure to take a look at the other surgery pics Selena shared online in the gallery (above).

[Image via Instagram.]

More Details About Selena Gomez's Kidney Transplant Including How She Faced Kidney Failure Months Before Surgery!

5 Things To Know About Selena Gomez's Kidney Donor Francia Raisa!

"Francia is a wonderful friend with a huge heart. They've thought of each other as sisters, and beyond their obvious bond through work and womanhood, they also share a lot through their faith and being Latina. Francia is incredibly supportive and would provide a shoulder to cry on for any friend in need. She really is a wonderfully special person."

"Selena and I were in the same group and we just clicked."

"I love her to death. She's my sister and she is one of the sweetest girls I know. She is so caring and so loving and so nurturing. She's awesome. I don't know where she came from."

"I went through heartbreak this year and you left the studio and drove out of your way to come see me and comfort me. I received good news last month and you facetimed me minutes before you went up on stage just to congratulate me. There are so many moments we have and things you do that I cherish and don't take for granted. Wether its crying, laughing, or simply sitting on my kitchen floor throwing our hands up in the air confused at life, I'm thankful you're always there. I am obsessed with every memory we've built in the last 8 years and the ones we have yet to create. I am so grateful that God put you in my life when he did. If you think about the time that we met and where we were in our lives when we first hung out, his timing was perfect. It's been so inspiring watching you grow and to grow with you. I learn so much from you and I'm so so so proud of you. Happy Birthday Hermana. Love you so so so much @selenagomez"

Selena Gomez's BFF Francia Raisa Speaks Out About Donating Her Kidney In Beautiful Post!

New Details About Why Francia Raisa Donated Her Kidney To Selena Gomez & How She Kept It A Secret!

"Francia and Selena are like sisters. There's a group of girls who have always stuck close to Selena. Her inner circle is very tight and everyone protects Selena. Francia comes from a big family … Selena is like a sister to her. Selena didn't ask Francia to be tested as a match — Francia is the kind of person who would offer to do that for any one of her friends."

"Francia told a few people in her inner circle that she was donating one of her kidneys, but no one knew who it was for. A lot of people in their inner circle knew that Francia was undergoing surgery but really didn't ask too many questions."

"That's how close they are. They've always been very spiritual and into God, and even more so now. They both prayed a lot about this surgery and once Selena's health issues got worse."

"Francia is totally fine now, she's back to normal. Francia lives a very healthy lifestyle and she's busy with work. The recovery time for her was very quick."

The Weeknd Continues Being The Best Boyfriend Ever — He Scheduled His Tour Around Selena Gomez' Surgery!

"It was a super serious operation, and all her friends were worried."