Bindi Irwin’s mental health admission: ‘Shaken’

Bindi Irwin has spoken candidly about her mental health battle as she “struggled to stay afloat” amid a debilitating medical condition.

Bindi Irwin has opened up about the impact endometriosis has had on her mental health, admitting it left her “struggling to stay afloat” at times.

Speaking to the Courier Mail in order to bring more awareness to the disease, which affects one in nine Australians with uteruses, the conservationist, 24, spoke candidly about her own experience.

“I had debilitating pain, fatigue and nausea on a daily basis. Looking back, I suffered from at least one of these symptoms every day since I was 14 years old,” Bindi told the publication, adding that it “seemed to snowball” after she had her daughter, Grace, in 2021.

Chandler Powell and Bindi Irwin with their daughter, Grace Irwin-Powell.

“My mental health was being shaken because I so desperately wanted to be the best mum for her, when some days I couldn’t get out of bed.”

It was this that spurred Bindi into finally seeking help, which came in the form of excision surgery late last year, giving her a new lease on life.

“Over the years, I’ve cancelled hundreds of plans and left people wondering why I wasn’t showing up. Behind closed doors I was struggling to stay afloat,” Bindi said.

“It’s not okay to be made to feel like crippling pain is normal. It is not normal and you deserve better.”

Endometriosis is a chronic condition which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow outside of the organ. The tissue, which has been found on every major organ of the body, often spreads to the bowel and fallopian tubes, causing extreme pain, heavy bleeding, and in many cases, infertility. There is no known cure.

Despite many Australians suffering from the issue, it remains incredibly misunderstood and it’s notoriously difficult to get a diagnosis. Research by Endometriosis Australia found it takes an average of 6.5 years to diagnose.

Bindi had surgery in December. Source: Instagram

Last month, Irwin shared an emotional video on Instagram about her battle with the condition, tearing up as she recalled the “countless” times her daughter had needed her, and she’d been left “crawling” over to her cot.

“I can remember being with Grace and lying on the floor in agony. I had a stabbing pain in my side. I couldn’t get up, or I would throw up. And I was scared I would pass out,” she said.

“I was so scared because I was worried if I was alone with Grace, something would happen to me and she would be on her own.”

Originally published as Bindi Irwin’s mental health admission: ‘Shaken’