Gisele Bundchen, the Brazilian supermodel, recently opened up about the overwhelming stress she faced during her modeling career. In a candid interview with Lee Cowan for CBS News Sunday Morning, Bundchen revealed that at one point in her career, the stress became so unbearable that she fantasized about jumping out of a window.
Bundchen, now 43 years old, started her professional modeling journey at just 16 during New York Fashion Week in 1996. However, she soon found herself facing numerous difficulties and hardships in the industry. She described feeling suffocated while working in studios and even had panic attacks in elevators. The stress became so intense that she contemplated drastic measures, such as jumping out of a window.
When asked by Cowan if she really thought about jumping, Bundchen admitted that she did, but only for a second. Despite these challenges, she persevered and achieved immense success in her career. She became a renowned model, working with prestigious brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, and Victoria’s Secret.
However, Bundchen’s success did not come without sacrifices. In her interview, she also discussed the difficulties she faced when starting out as a young model. She lived with other models in New York and was exposed to drug use, but she managed to escape those situations due to her strong faith and determination. Bundchen emphasized that she refused to be a victim and overcame the adversities she encountered.
Aside from her modeling career, Bundchen also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Taxi (2004) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006). She put her modeling career on hold to focus on raising her two children with her husband, football star Tom Brady. However, the couple recently announced their divorce after more than a decade together.
Reflecting on the divorce, Bundchen expressed that it was not what she had hoped for, as she grew up with parents who have been married for 50 years. She acknowledged that people change and grow apart, and while the divorce was not easy, she remains grateful to Brady for giving her wonderful children.
Bundchen’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by models in the industry and the toll it can take on their mental health. Despite the glamour and success often associated with modeling, it is essential to recognize the emotional and psychological struggles that many models endure. By sharing her own experiences, Bundchen hopes to bring awareness to these issues and inspire others to prioritize their well-being.
In conclusion, Gisele Bundchen’s candid interview reveals the overwhelming stress she faced during her modeling career. Despite contemplating extreme measures at times, she managed to overcome the challenges and achieve immense success. Her story serves as a reminder that behind the scenes, the modeling industry can be emotionally demanding, and it is crucial to prioritize mental health and well-being.
