Behind the Smiles: Rebecca Gibney's Lifelong Struggle
One of Australia's most cherished television stars, Rebecca Gibney, has courageously opened up about a deeply personal battle, revealing that her severe anxiety and panic attacks have unexpectedly returned. The Gold Logie winner shared this intimate struggle in a heartfelt Instagram post, explaining that "not everything is what it may seem on the surface" despite her successful public persona.
The Sudden Return of a Familiar Struggle
For most of her life, the New Zealand-born actress has managed severe anxiety, with her struggles beginning in her teens. Gibney revealed she dropped out of school at just 15 years old. After the birth of her son Zachary, now 21, the Packed to the Rafters star believed she had overcome her mental health challenges, as her panic attacks seemed to disappear completely.
"I thought I was OK," the 60-year-old wrote. "Until earlier this year when my optimistic bubble burst. Suddenly the panic returned, the stress, the sadness - and I found myself back in the pit of self-doubt, fear and anxiety."
A Dark Past and Life-Saving Realisation
Gibney bravely disclosed that during her most difficult period in her 30s, the situation became so desperate that she contemplated suicide. The weekly panic attacks became daily then hourly, creating constant self-loathing and deep emotional pain that made her want "it over."
What stopped her was a pivotal moment while writing a letter to her mother. Gibney realised her mother "would never understand" and "would never get over losing her." This profound realisation made her stop and seek professional help. "I was lucky. I got help. I found a therapist," she reflected. "And with baby steps I eventually came home to myself."
Speaking Out to Save Lives
The actress explained that her decision to speak out now was prompted by two separate people reaching out to tell her they had lost close friends to suicide. "I didn't know either of the friends, but it really affected me as it's been a subject that is coming up over and over again," Gibney shared, referring to the "hopelessness, the fear, the pain" that many experience.
When her symptoms returned earlier this year, Gibney took immediate action by picking up the phone and making a life-changing call for help and treatment. She's now back doing what she loves, but wants others to understand that struggles can affect anyone.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is - we ALL mask our pain but we all also feel it. You're not alone," she emphasized in her post, which included a mental health warning.
Gibney has used her platform repeatedly to raise awareness about mental illness, encouraging those who are struggling to start conversations and seek support. Her powerful message concludes with hope: "Light really does follow the dark. Hang in there."
She directed followers to mental health resources, urging people to pick up the phone or go online to access many incredible organisations ready to help.
