Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has bravely shared his experience of grappling with acute anxiety while serving as Australia’s leader. In an excerpt from his upcoming book revealed to The Australian, Morrison delves into the challenges he faced and the treatment he sought to cope with his mental health issues.
Morrison candidly expressed that he endured “debilitating and agonising” anxiety throughout much of his tenure, acknowledging that without medication, he could have spiraled into serious depression. He emphasized the toll that the relentless pressure of politics, coupled with media scrutiny, took on his well-being.
The disclosure comes at a time when mental health remains a taboo topic in federal politics, despite its prevalence among Australians. Beyond Blue estimates that one in four Australians are affected by anxiety, underscoring the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health, particularly in high-stress environments like politics.
In his forthcoming book, Morrison reflects on the intersection of faith and leadership, highlighting how his Christian beliefs provided him with solace during his darkest moments. While medication played a crucial role in managing his anxiety, Morrison emphasized the significant impact of his faith as a coping mechanism.
Through his candid revelations, Morrison aims to destigmatize mental health issues and challenge the perception that politicians must appear invulnerable. He asserts that seeking help did not hinder his ability to fulfill his duties as Prime Minister, citing the successful negotiation of the AUKUS pact during his tenure.
Morrison’s openness about his mental health struggles echoes similar disclosures from other politicians, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who spoke about his battle with suicidal thoughts. Such disclosures shed light on the intense pressure faced by political leaders and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being.
Former trade minister Andrew Robb’s rare disclosure of his mental health issues while still in office underscores the challenges of confronting stigma and doubt within political circles. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for openness and support for politicians grappling with mental health issues.
Former treasurer Wayne Swan emphasized the relentless nature of political roles and the inherent risks to mental health. He stressed the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions and fostering a culture of understanding and support for leaders facing immense pressure.
Morrison’s decision to share his struggles with anxiety serves as a powerful reminder of the human side of politics and the need for compassion and empathy in public discourse. His openness paves the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment where mental health is prioritized and destigmatized.
In conclusion, Scott Morrison’s revelation about his battle with anxiety during his tenure as Prime Minister shines a spotlight on the importance of addressing mental health in politics. By sharing his personal struggles, Morrison aims to break down barriers and foster a culture of openness and support for politicians facing similar challenges.
Keywords: Scott Morrison, anxiety, mental health, Prime Minister, leadership, medication, faith, stigma, openness, support, politics, disclosure.
