Rebecca Gibney Steps Back from Social Media
Rebecca Gibney, the acclaimed actress known for her role in Packed To The Rafters, has decided to take a break from social media. This decision comes just a week after she publicly shared her diagnosis of ADHD and autism. At 61 years old, Gibney took to Instagram to announce her choice, highlighting the need for a more present and meaningful life.
“Hello friends, it’s time for a wee break from all things SM,” she wrote. “I’ve been spending way too much time staring at my phone looking at either bad news, products I don’t want, snippets from people’s lives that I don’t know, and apart from the funnies – which we all need – I’m finding it all a waste of very precious time.”
Gibney emphasized that she had lost touch with the present moment, and she felt the need to reconnect with her husband, her dogs, and herself. She expressed gratitude for the positive response to her announcement but also addressed some of the negative comments she received online.
“Alas there has also been a little backlash so I just wanted to say to the people that responded with ‘get over it,’ ‘it’s not cancer,’ ‘stop jumping on the bandwagon’ and ‘nobody cares’ – just a wee word of advice. If you don’t know the full story of someone’s life – please don’t make assumptions or fire off petty comments,” she warned.
Gibney shared that much of her life had been marked by personal challenges. She revealed that she had lived most of her life misdiagnosed with severe anxiety for 45 years. She was raised in a home with extreme domestic violence and has suffered from depression.
“To tell someone to ‘get over it’ is really not helpful,” she said. “I share my story so that it may encourage others who might be struggling to know they are not alone.”
Her post concluded on a hopeful and personal note: “So if you need me I’ll be by a river somewhere, walking the dogs, planting veggies with my hubby and talking to the trees. Be kind to yourselves and others. And I’ll see you soon. Ish.”
Gibney’s post included a photo of her two dogs and footage of a beautiful lake. Her message resonated with many, receiving an outpouring of support from followers. Singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte commented: “Babe you are the biggest shining light and it’s because of your vulnerability that allows other including myself to feel ok to share too.”
“Have the most exquisite time being you! All of you!!! Because she deserves that and more,” she added.
Media personality Melissa Hoyer also offered her support, writing: “Look after YOU – sending love, love & more love.”
Late last month, Rebecca made headlines when she announced her ADHD and autism diagnosis during an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly. ADHD is a behavioral condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, while autism affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, behaves, and processes information.
Autism is considered a ‘spectrum’ because the severity varies among individuals. “It’s been hard. It’s been very emotional. I’ve cried a lot more in the last few months than I’ve cried in a long time, which I thought I’d gotten over as a woman over 60,” Gibney said.
She discovered her condition while speaking to a psychologist due to struggles she faced after participating in Dancing With The Stars earlier this year. “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 confessed.
“Masking” refers to when someone with ADHD or autism hides their natural behaviors and traits to fit in with others. Gibney also revealed that her diagnosis has been somewhat a double-edged sword. After suffering with shyness, anxiety, and panic attacks over the years, the diagnosis has helped her better understand her prior struggles. However, it has also prompted feelings of grief and disappointment.
“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?” she asked. “Maybe it would have made my high school years easier because, you know, I did have a lot of mental health struggles.”
Gibney is one of many Australian celebrities who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Mamamia co-founder Mia Freeman received her ADHD diagnosis at age 49, while actress Sigrid Thornton found out she had the same condition at 65. Media personality Em Rusciano was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at age 43, while feminist author Clementine Ford discovered she had ADHD at 41.
About Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:
- Constant fidgeting
- Poor concentration
- Excessive movement or talking
- Acting without thinking
- Little or no sense of danger
- Careless mistakes
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty organizing tasks
- Inability to listen or carry out instructions
Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this. ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure. Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s, and epilepsy.
There is no cure. A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.
