Gisele Bundchen is known for being one of the top supermodels in the world, but just because she’s international famous for her beauty, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t suffer from things like anxiety like the rest of us do.
Bundchen, 40, opened up about her battles with anxiety and panic attacks on Wednesday in a thoughtful Instagram post alongside a photo of herself with her dog.
“From my own experience I learned that nothing is permanent,” Bundchen wrote. “Sometimes a gentle reminder that the bad feelings will eventually go away can work like a beacon of hope. Anxiety can feel all-consuming, and sometimes we need a supportive push to help break us out of our vicious cycle of worry.”
The message was especially timely, as many are suffering from anxiety right now amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“My own panic attacks were difficult for me, and I sought help,” Bundchen added. “In moments like these, family, friends and specialists can help, and so can breathing and meditation tools. The most important thing is to move away from inertia and look for alternatives. Life is our greatest gift—and every day is worth it.”
Bundchen first discussed her panic attacks in her 2018 memoir “Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life,” revealing that she began suffering from them frequently in 2003.
“Things can be looking perfect on the outside, but you have no idea what’s really going on,” the supermodel told People magazine at the time. “I felt like maybe it was time to share some of my vulnerabilities, and it made me realize, everything I’ve lived through, I would never change, because I think I am who I am because of those experiences.”
Bundchen also confessed that she has had suicidal thoughts in the past.
“I actually had the feeling of, ‘If I just jump off my balcony, this is going to end, and I never have to worry about this feeling of my world closing in,” she said.
Though a doctor prescribed Xanax, Bundchen did not want to rely on a medication.
“The thought of being dependent on something felt, in my mind, even worse, because I was like, ‘What if I lose that [pill]? Then what? Am I going to die?’ The only thing I knew was, I needed help,” she said.
Instead of taking medication, Bundchen carried out a total lifestyle overhaul, focusing on diet and exercise. Things have been going better for her ever since.
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