Trigger Warning: This article discusses mental health and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
In an emotional confession, Rebecca Gibney has given fans a rare insight into her mental health struggles.
The candid Instagram post came after her friends recently lost people to suicide. Rebecca then shared a collection of raw images of herself happy, crying, and a flashback of high school days.
“Over the last 48 hours I’ve had two people share with me that they have recently lost close friends to suicide and are attending funerals over the coming days,” Rebecca shared. “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.”
The Dressmaker actress continued, highlighting the “hopelessness” and “fear” she’s felt as someone who has “struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks” for most of her life.
“As a teen I was often erratic, impulsive, prone to rages and was bored easily. I dropped out of high school at 15. I fell into acting by chance and it has given me the most extraordinary career. And purpose,” Rebecca wrote.
“In my early thirties I had everything. Thriving career, solid family, extraordinary friendships. But deep down I was spiralling. The weekly panic attacks became daily then hourly. 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.
“It was while I was writing a letter to my mum that I suddenly realised that she would never understand and would never get over losing me. It made me stop. I was lucky. I got help. I found a therapist. 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.”
Rebecca was 39 when she welcomed her son, Zachary Edison Bell on April 7, 2004, with her husband Richard Bell. The pair met in 1999, and married in 2001.
Now 60, Rebecca admits her battle with mental health continued earlier this year, feeling she was “back in the pit of self doubt, fear and anxiety.”
“So I picked up the phone and made a call that would change my life. I got help and treatment and I am back doing what I love. But there have been struggles. Not everything is what it may seem on the surface,” she continued.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is – we ALL mask our pain but we all also feel it. You’re not alone.”
“Light really does follow the dark. Hang in there ❤️”
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
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