MasterChef Australia returnee Julie Goodwin has admitted that she feared her return to the series in 2022 would be make or break for her mental health.
After winning the inaugural season of the hit cooking show in 2009, the 51-year-old has returned to the kitchen for MasterChef: Fans vs Faves and continues to impress the judges challenge after challenge.
However, in a new interview with Woman’s Day, Julie confessed that she thought taking on the show once again could negatively affect her mindset.
“[My mental health] was a massive discussion when I was asked to do [MasterChef],” she said.
According to Julie, she spoke to her family and a psychologist about the opportunity before accepting the offer.
“It was a decision that was made in a very considered way because at the end of the day, I didn’t want to be back at the bottom of a dark place.”
MasterChef‘s Julie Goodwin Returned to the Show With a “Coping Strategy”
Julie also told the publication that production was made flexible so she is still able to attend psychology appointments during filming.
“They’ve worked around the filming schedule to allow me to still have my psychology appointment and to get out early in the morning to do my exercise,” she explained. “They touch base with me constantly to make sure I’m okay.”
In recent years, the fan-favourite cook has been candid about her battle with anxiety and depression following her drink-driving arrest in 2018.
The mum of three was charged after she was caught behind the wheel two times over the legal limit.
In 2020, she told Women’s Weekly that at the time, she “had decided [she] was done”.
“In the midst of that really awful time I had decided that I was done,” Julie said. “I had nothing left to do, my work here was done. That’s where I found myself. That landed me in hospital a bunch of times.”
However, she has since found solace in spending time with her granddaughter, Delilah.
“I’m trying to figure out if my life here is not done, then what the hell is it? Delilah is obviously a massive part of that. She’s a tiny little human who I want to be around for.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or chat online here. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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