When it comes to mental illness, perception is often not reality. Symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are often not visible to the outside world, leaving those suffering with them to struggle with an internal battle that makes it hard to reach out for help. Even people who seem to have it all aren’t immune from the trials that mental illness presents. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen knows this firsthand.
A ‘Perfect’ Life
Bündchen is one of the world’s highest-paid and most well-known supermodels. She’s married to football superstar Tom Brady. She’s a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. She’s a mother to two children. She’s involved in numerous charitable efforts.
On the surface, she appears to have the perfect life, but now she’s speaking out about her struggles with anxiety and suicidal thoughts in her new memoir, “Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life.”
In her book, Bündchen details her experiences with frequent panic attacks that left her feeling suicidal.
“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,’” Bündchen told People Magazine.
“Things can be looking perfect on the outside, but you have no idea what’s really going on,” she she said in her interview with People Magazine. “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.”
Progress Is Possible
Fortunately for Bündchen, she was able to able to manage her anxiety and panic attacks with the help and advice of doctors, showing that progress is possible for those struggling with mental illness.
Organizations like the Lehigh Center for Clinical Research are dedicated to helping people find relief and live happy lives again. We conduct a number of different clinical trials to provide treatment to our patients and learn more about mental and neurological conditions.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety or another related condition, apply today for a clinical trial at Lehigh Center!
