Gisele Bündchen’s Mental Health Struggles During Her Modeling Peak
Gisele Bündchen, the 43-year-old supermodel, recently opened up about the mental health challenges she faced during the height of her modeling career.
She revealed that the immense pressure she experienced in her early days as a model led to crippling anxiety and even thoughts of suicide. Speaking with CBS Sunday Morning, she discussed the anxiety she endured two decades ago and the impact it had on her well-being.
During the interview at her part-time home in Costa Rica, Gisele described feeling like she was in a dark tunnel, struggling to breathe. She recounted the suffocating feeling that overcame her while working in studios.
In a vulnerable moment, she shared that she lived on the 9th floor and would often take the stairs out of fear of being trapped in an elevator, which would trigger hyperventilation. The feeling of not being able to breathe, even with open windows, led her to question the quality of her life.
When asked if she had considered jumping, Gisele admitted, “Yeah, for, like, a second.” Her battle with these overwhelming emotions was addressed in her 2018 memoir, “Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life.”
She revealed seeking help from a doctor who prescribed anti-anxiety medication to manage her panic attacks. However, she ultimately chose a holistic approach, turning to practices like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Additionally, she made significant lifestyle changes by quitting smoking, reducing caffeine intake, and cutting down on sugar.
During her marriage to ex-husband Tom Brady, the couple was known for their mostly plant-based diet. Gisele, now a single mother to their children Vivian and Benjamin, reflected on her past, including her public divorce.
She expressed that while her life didn’t align with the dreams she once had, she believes in acceptance. She acknowledged that people in their 20s may grow together or apart, and she remains grateful for the wonderful children she shares with Tom Brady.
Looking ahead, Gisele emphasized her current ability to make choices that prioritize her happiness. She described her present stage in life as one where she is not merely surviving but truly living. As she continues her journey, Gisele hopes to find fulfillment on her own terms.
Gisele’s interview on CBS Sunday Morning is set to air on September 24 at 9 am and will be available for streaming on Paramount+. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can reach out to the National Suicide Hotline by texting or calling 988.