The Packed to the Rafters<\/a> star has struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks for most of her life, even contemplating suicide in her 30s.<\/p>\n Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n She is speaking out to help others and raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health.<\/p>\n 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, \u201cI thought I was OK\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil earlier this year when my optimistic bubble burst,\u201d the 60-year-old wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cSuddenly the panic returned, the stress, the sadness \u2014 and I found myself back in the pit of self-doubt, fear and anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know either of the friends, but it really affected me as it\u2019s been a subject that is coming up over and over again,\u201d Gibney said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe hopelessness, the fear, the pain.\u201d<\/p>\n Gibney\u2019s struggle with anxiety<\/a>, which is when anxious feelings don\u2019t go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life, began in her teens.<\/p>\n The TV star explained she dropped out of school at the age of 15.<\/p>\n \u201cI fell into acting by chance and it has given me the most extraordinary career. And purpose,\u201d she wrote in her Instagram post.<\/p>\n The actress went on to build a career, a family and deep friendships.<\/p>\n But while on the outside everything appeared well, deep down Gibney was spiralling.<\/p>\n \u201cThe weekly panic attacks became daily then hourly,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe self-loathing was constant and my pain was so deep I didn\u2019t know how to deal with it.<\/p>\n \u201cI just knew I wanted it over.\u201d<\/p>\n Gibney then bravely revealed it was during this time she contemplated suicide.<\/p>\n But while writing a letter to her mother, Gibney realised she \u201cwould never understand\u201d and \u201cwould never get over losing her\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt made me stop. I was lucky. I got help. I found a therapist,\u201d she reflected.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd with baby steps I eventually came home to myself.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd after the birth of our son, I found my panic attacks even went away. I thought I was ok.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier this year, when things began to turn again, Gibney said she picked up the phone and made a call that changed her life.<\/p>\n \u201cI got help and treatment and I am back doing what I love,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut there have been struggles. Not everything is what it may seem on the surface.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess what I\u2019m trying to say is \u2014 we ALL mask our pain but we all also feel it. You\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are many incredible organisations and places to help. Please just pick up the phone or go online,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cLight really does follow the dark. Hang in there.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"Rebecca](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/481ce4f9b0ddd032909ffd6a4072190c1bb19879.png\")
Rebecca Gibney shared a series of photos alongside her honest post. Credit: Instagram ![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/22c445a55ac744ba5557da671450b4dcecd759c0.png\")
The Packed to the Rafters star has spoken previously about her struggle with mental health. Credit: Instagram<\/p>\n![\"Rebecca](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/a181d487d7df89b01ccfe83742fe2f611a88caf4.jpg\")
Rebecca Gibney attended the 2025 Logie Awards with her son, Zachary. Credit: AAPIMAGE<\/p>\n