A New Chapter for Rebecca Gibney
Rebecca Gibney, the beloved star of Packed to the Rafters, has taken a significant step back from social media. At 61 years old, she recently shared her decision to take a break, emphasizing the need to reconnect with her husband, her dogs, and herself. This move came after she opened up about her recent diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In a heartfelt post, Gibney expressed that she had been living in the past rather than the present. She wrote, “Hello friends, it’s time for a wee break from all things SM.” Her message was filled with gratitude for the overwhelming support she received following her announcement. However, she also acknowledged the negative comments that came her way.
Gibney addressed those who criticized her, offering some stern advice. She said, “If you don’t know the full story of someone’s life, please don’t make assumptions or fire off petty comments.” She explained that she had spent 45 years misdiagnosed with severe anxiety, growing up in a home marked by domestic violence and suffering from depression. To those who told her to “get over it,” she emphasized that such remarks were not helpful.
She added, “I share my story so that it may encourage others who might be struggling to know they are not alone.” Gibney also mentioned that she is grateful for the help she is receiving and is implementing the advice she has been given.
Her post received an outpouring of support from followers. One of the most touching comments came from singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, who called her “the biggest shining light.”
The Journey to Diagnosis
In March 2026, Gibney revealed that she had been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD after consulting with three psychiatrists. Speaking about her experience in The Weekly, she described the emotional journey of coming to terms with her diagnosis. “It’s been hard. It’s been very emotional,” she said. “I’m still coming to terms with it because it’s answered a lot of questions from my past—my panic attacks, my years of masking, which started obviously at a very early age.”
She reflected on how understanding her condition might have changed her life. “There’s that slight mourning—gosh, if I’d known this 40, 50 years ago, would I have gone through all the stuff that I went through? Maybe it would have made my high school years easier because, you know, I did have a lot of mental health struggles.”
Resources and Support
Gibney’s openness about her mental health challenges highlights the importance of seeking help and support. For those in need, resources like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue are available. In emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000).
Staying Connected
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