'I spent a lot of my younger years not liking myself at all': Rebecca Gibney, 53, reveals her depression led to suicidal thoughts and how she now wants to help others in their struggle

Rebecca Gibney has graced the small screen for more than 30 years.

And the actress revealed in Saturday's The Daily Telegraph that she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts in her younger years.

However, despite still having a 'down day' on occasion, the 53-year-old hopes to use her past experiences to encourage others to seek help. 

'I spent a lot of my younger years not liking myself at all': Rebecca Gibney, 53, revealed in Saturday's The Daily Telegraph how her depression led to suicidal thoughts

'I spent a lot of my younger years not liking myself at all': Rebecca Gibney, 53, revealed in Saturday's The Daily Telegraph how her depression led to suicidal thoughts

'I spent a lot of time in my 20's and 30's not liking myself at all,' Rebecca candidly revealed.

'At the moment it is as perfect as it can be. That doesn't mean I don't have down days or sad days,' the Wanted actress added.

Rebecca went on to say that when she experiences moments of self-doubt, she now knows how to deal with the situation.

Managing it all: Having sought help, the actress went on to say: 'At the moment it is as perfect as it can be. That doesn't mean I don't have down days or sad days' 

Managing it all: Having sought help, the actress went on to say: 'At the moment it is as perfect as it can be. That doesn't mean I don't have down days or sad days' 

'When I do start feeling a certain way or if I start reacting to certain situations. I now know how to fix it,' the mother-of-one said.   

This is not the first time Rebecca has spoken candidly about her past struggles with mental health.

The Packed to the Rafters star previously told Yahoo Be: 'I had a nervous breakdown and emotional collapse in my early 30's so I just let it build up and build up.' 

Rebecca previously told Yahoo Be: 'I had a nervous breakdown and emotional collapse in my early 30's so I just let it build up and build up' 

Rebecca previously told Yahoo Be: 'I had a nervous breakdown and emotional collapse in my early 30's so I just let it build up and build up' 

'It was ultimately a self-loathing that I developed from quite a young age. I didn't love myself. In fact, I hated myself; I was crumbling on the inside,' Rebecca added.   

Rebecca revealed a close friend suggested she seek professional help from a psychologist and said the advice saved her.

After two years of therapy she was able to overcome the severe panic attacks and depression she has fought since her early teens. 

Rebecca also urged people who are struggling with their mental health to start a conversation and reach out for help.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Nurturing: Rebecca, who is a proud mother to son Zachary Edison Bell [pictured], 14, is encouraging others who may be struggling with mental health issues to seek help 

Nurturing: Rebecca, who is a proud mother to son Zachary Edison Bell [pictured], 14, is encouraging others who may be struggling with mental health issues to seek help 

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.