Selena Gomez delivers honest, emotional speech at the 2016 AMAs: Read it in full

Selena Gomez made her first public appearance since August at the American Music Awards Sunday night, and she used that stage to unburden herself of a great emotional weight.

While accepting an award for favorite pop/rock female artist, Gomez discussed the past few years of her career, speaking honestly about her depression and specifically how the AMAs stage helped her come to terms with it.

"In 2014, this stage was actually the first time that I was authentically, 100% honest with you," she began her speech, referencing her tear-filled performance of "The Heart Wants What It Wants," a song reportedly inspired by her breakup with Justin Bieber.

"I think it's safe to say that a lot of you know a lot of my life, whether I liked it or not, and I had to stop," she continued. "Because I had everything, and I was absolutely broken inside. And I kept it together and I swore I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down." 

That's not the way she's looking to operate anymore: "I'm not trying to get validation, nor do I need it anymore," she said.

In August, Gomez called off her world tour to address the anxiety and depression she'd been feeling. She explained that both were side effects of lupus, an autoimmune disease she's been living with for several years. 

"I need to face this head-on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best," she explained at the time. "I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues."

She echoed the same call last night onstage, encouraging fans to seek the help they need. 

"If you are broken, you don't have to stay broken," she said. 

Read the full text of the speech below:

In 2014, this stage was actually the first time that I was authentically, 100% honest with you. I think it's safe to say that a lot of you know a lot of my life, whether I liked it or not, and I had to stop. Because I had everything, and I was absolutely broken inside. And I kept it together and I swore I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down.