Selena Gomez News and Updates 2016: Michael B. Jordan Encourages Selena Gomez In Her Battle Against Lupus

Selena Gomez announced on August that she will be taking a lengthy break from work so she can focus on her health. It was in October last year when the actress admitted that she's battling against a disease called Lupus.

At the time, rumors were spreading around saying she was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. Selena Gomez eventually answered all the speculations and revealed to Billboard Magazine that she has been undergoing chemotherapy right after she was diagnosed with the disease.

Now that she's back to healing and locking herself before she's ready to face the world again, Selena Gomez has been receiving encouraging words from fans all throughout the world. Co-stars are also expressing their support for the singer.

Selena Gomez's close friend Michael B. Jordan told ET Online about how he understands what the singer is going through. He revealed that his mother also went through the same disease. The actor was seen at Lupus LA's eighth annual celebrity poker tournament held at Avalon Hollywood Wednesday.

 "My advice would be, 'Stay optimistic, don't succumb to how you feel in the moment -- because it will pass and get better -- and surround yourself with positive people," Jordan told ET in an interview. He also revealed that he has previously sent out support and encouragement to Selena Gomez in her battle against the sickness.

Jordan also added that Selena Gomez is "a really, really strong woman" that's why he "can't imagine her not conquering it just like she has everything else." Lupus' side effects include panic attacks, depression and anxiety. The disease affects the immune system which causes it to attack itself which results to pain in several body parts. Its symptoms include chest pain, hair loss, rashes, and fatigue. In worst cases, these symptoms arise all at once. Scientists call this instance a "flare".