Francesca Hung opens up on being ashamed for feeling low

Francesca Hung, who is in with a strong chance to take the Miss Universe crown, has revealed her deep personal struggles with having to be “perfect” and how she felt ashamed of being low.

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Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung has revealed her deep personal struggles with having to be “perfect”.

Hung, who lives on Sydney’s northern beaches, is in Bangkok preparing for the Miss Universe finale on December 17, has told how she felt ashamed of feeling low.

“I guess I always thought I have grown up with the most amazing family and best suburb, and I have had everything; there is no reason for me to feel this way,’’ she said.

Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung felt embarrassed on feeling down and upset. Picture: Tim Hunter

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“So I felt embarrassed to have these low feelings, and I told myself I’m stupid, there are people around the world struggling with massive issues, so I was ashamed to have those feelings.”

The Chinese-Australian model, who is signed to Scoop, one of Australia’s top agencies, also admitted feeling pressure after being crowned Miss Universe.

“You’re supposed to be almost, like, perfect, and I should have nothing to complain about. So many girls would love to be Miss Australia and in this role, so if I’m complaining I’m down or sad, people would look at that and think, ‘ooh, she doesn’t deserve it’,” she said.

The Chinese-Australian model is among the favourites to be crowned Miss Universe on December 17. Picture: Andrew Tauber

“I didn’t really understand depression and that is what I was feeling. I remember straight after school I went to uni and focused. It was all about focusing on the future and my parents are high achievers, and I had that pressure on me, and I really wanted to impress them.

“I remember I never acted on any suicidal thoughts or really strong suicidal thoughts, it was more like self-sabotage; I would do things to sort of ruin my life so that no one expected anything from me.”