Rebecca Gibney, 58, opens up about her mental health struggles as a survivor of domestic violence

Rebecca Gibney revealed ‘it was a relief’ when she finally opened up about the mental health struggles she faced from 14 to 30-years-old. 

Growing up in a household riddled with domestic violence, the Packed to the Rafters star, 58, said she spent a lot of time ‘pretending’ she was okay. 

But now, long after the death of her abusive father Austin, the New Zealand actor told Stellar on Saturday she is ‘loving’ how mental health is now being framed.

‘When I started talking about my mental health struggles and anxiety that lasted from the age of 14 into my 30s, it was a relief,’ she told the publication.

‘I could drop the mask of pretending that I was OK. What I’m loving seeing is that more and more people are now going, “I’m not OK.”‘ 

However, Rebecca went on to say there is still not enough being done to prevent domestic violence and help the survivors. 

‘We still don’t want to talk about it. We need to really drill down [and ask], “Why is this happening?” We need more education, more centres,’ she said.

Rebecca added that ‘education starts in the home and at school’, saying ‘young people, particularly our males’ need to be taught that ‘violence is never the answer’.

Growing up in a household riddled with domestic violence, the Packed to the Rafters star said she spent a lot of time ‘pretending’ she was okay

The Wanted producer opened up to Women’s Day in 2017 about her mother, Shirley, and the domestic abuse she suffered from Rebecca’s father Austin. 

‘He beat her so badly she had bruises for six months on her legs,’ she told the publication.

The actor said her mother would get in between her husband and children to protect them. 

But now, long after the death of her abusive father Austin, the New Zealand actor told Stellar on Saturday she is ‘loving’ how mental health is now being framed. Pictured with her mother Shirley

‘She’d always shut the doors… So you’d hear the yelling and the shouting and the slapping, but you’d never actually see it,’ she said.

After her father died, Rebecca struggled to cope and began seeing a therapist twice a week. 

She was prescribed Valium and said she was in a dark place for a while. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For emergencies, call 000.