MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin is not just a legend in the kitchen. The broadcaster is also opening up about her battle with mental health in the hope of helping others.
WATCH: MasterChef’s Julie Goodwin reveals cause of her mental breakdown
Speaking to Lisa Wilkinson on The Sunday Project, she said: “I found myself in hospital having suffered just a massive episode of depression and anxiety and a whole lot of stuff I couldn’t manage and it was a shock to me.
“It wasn’t just a feeling, it became physical, my hands shook so hard that I couldn’t put a fork full of food to my mouth.”
“I was floored,” she told Lisa.
“I said I can’t. I’m back on air in a few days, I have clients coming to my kitchen, staff to look after, I’ve got family,” Julie said, adding that she could think of “a million reasons why” she couldn’t spend time in hospital to treat her mental health.
She praised the support of her husband, three sons, and professional help and said she has “slowly, incrementally” gotten better.
In December, Julie bid farewell to her radio show. The author and radio presenter took to Facebook to announce the sad news, saying she has lived with depression and anxiety “on and off over many years”.
“Disappearing like this has created difficulty for a lot of people. I have essentially disappeared from my scheduled life, failed to meet my obligations, and I owe an explanation,” she wrote.
“In this time I have worked hard to stay on top of everything,” she said, speaking candidly about her struggle.
“I have changed my sleep and social habits, I have exercised and been to see counsellors and hypnotherapists, I have done my level best to keep on juggling and keep all those balls up in the air.
“The things that have taken a back seat during this time, have been my family, my friends, my rest and recovery time.”
“It was a massive and difficult decision because I love doing this job, respect and adore my colleagues, am in awe of the listeners and the relationships we’ve built.
“But still I needed to do it for my wellbeing and my family.”
The former reality-TV star added that the Christmas break left her feeling broken.
“Eventually, all of this became so much that I just had nothing left,” she said.
“No joy, no excitement. I couldn’t see a single thing to look forward to, and putting a smile on my face involved remembering which muscles to use and arranging them properly.
“It felt like being in the middle of the ocean, not knowing which way to swim to reach shore, just treading water more and more slowly.
“Stopping seemed like it would be such a relief.
However Goodwin went on to offer advice to those suffering.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned, and this is what I’d like to pass on: treat yourself the way you would treat someone you love,” she said.
“Don’t work more than you would allow your partner or child to work.
“Don’t speak to yourself with harsh words you’d never use towards your friends or colleagues.
“Be as kind to yourself as you try to be to others.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression call Life Line on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue.
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