Much-loved Aussie actress Rebecca Gibney has spoken publicly about experiencing severe mental health challenges this year, revealing she ultimately needed professional support to cope.
In an emotional Instagram post shared on Monday, Gibney uploaded a series of raw photos showing her in visible distress, alongside a deeply personal message.
“As some of you know I struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks for most of my life,” she wrote.
She explained that after giving birth to her son Zachary – now 21 – her panic attacks disappeared for years.
“I thought I was OK,” she added.
“Until earlier this year when my optimistic bubble burst,” she revealed.
“Suddenly the panic returned, the stress, the sadness – and I found myself back in the pit of self-doubt, fear and anxiety.”
“It really affected me as it’s been a subject that is coming up over and over again,” she said.
“The hopelessness, the fear, the pain.”
Gibney said her mental health battles stretch back to adolescence. They caused her to leave high school at 15, before she eventually found her way into acting by chance.
By her early 30s, despite feeling she had “everything”, including a “thriving career”, “solid family”, and “extraordinary friendships”, she said she was mentally unravelling.
“The weekly panic attacks became daily then hourly,” she recalled. “The self-loathing was constant and my pain was so deep I didn’t know how to deal with it. I just knew I wanted it over.”
Gibney went on to reveal that during this period she contemplated taking her own life.
But while writing a letter to her mother, she realised her mum “would never understand” and “would never get over losing her”.
“It made me stop. I was lucky. I got help. I found a therapist,” she wrote.
“And with baby steps I eventually came home to myself. And after the birth of our son, I found my panic attacks even went away. I thought I was OK.”
Earlier this year she sought treatment as her symptoms returned, and says the support has helped her regain stability.
“I got help and treatment and I am back doing what I love,” she said.
“But there have been struggles. Not everything is what it may seem on the surface.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is – we ALL mask our pain but we all also feel it. You’re not alone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 help.
Images: Instagram
