Rebecca Gibney on anxiety: Actress details lifetime of struggle with mental illness

Behind the scenes of her celebrated career, Rebecca Gibney has been fighting a private battle, with the beloved actress revealing “not everything is what it may seem on the surface”.

After a lifetime of managing anxiety, the New Zealand–born star has now bravely shared the moment her mental illness suddenly returned.

The Packed to the Rafters star has struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks for most of her life, even contemplating suicide in her 30s.

She is speaking out to help others and raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health.

In a post shared on Instagram on Sunday, Gibney revealed after the birth of her son Zachary, now 21, her panic attacks seemed to disappear, adding, “I thought I was OK”.

“Until earlier this year when my optimistic bubble burst,” the 60-year-old wrote.

“Suddenly the panic returned, the stress, the sadness — and I found myself back in the pit of self-doubt, fear and anxiety.”

The Gold Logie winner opened the post with a mental health warning, explaining she had been prompted to speak out after two people reached out to her, telling 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 said.

“The hopelessness, the fear, the pain.”

Gibney’s struggle with anxiety, which is when anxious feelings don’t go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life, began in her teens.

The TV star explained she dropped out of school at the age of 15.

“I fell into acting by chance and it has given me the most extraordinary career. And purpose,” she wrote in her Instagram post.

The actress went on to build a career, a family and deep friendships.

But while on the outside everything appeared well, deep down Gibney was spiralling.

“The weekly panic attacks became daily then hourly,” she said.

“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 then bravely revealed it was during this time she contemplated suicide.

But while writing a letter to her mother, Gibney realised she “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 reflected.

“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, when things began to turn again, Gibney said she picked up the phone and made a call that changed her life.

“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.”

Gibney has previously spoken about her lifelong battle with mental illness in a bid to raise awareness, with her latest post urging people who are struggling to start a conversation and reach out for help.

“There are many incredible organisations and places to help. Please just pick up the phone or go online,” she said.

“Light really does follow the dark. Hang in there.”

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.