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Osher Günsberg Is Back After The (Psychotic) Break

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Aug 24, 2023

Guest

Osher Günsberg

Osher Günsberg, a celebrated Australian television host and author, shares his harrowing journey through mental health struggles and a public psychotic breakdown. He discusses the power of vulnerability in recovery and the importance of openly addressing mental health issues. Osher recounts transformative experiences, from chaos at live events to navigating the pressures of fame and addiction. His candid reflections highlight resilience, the significance of professional support, and the ongoing quest for healing, inspiring listeners to embrace their journeys.

02:14:59

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ANECDOTE

Early Struggles and Transformation

Osher Günsberg suffered intense panic attacks starting at age five, leading to compulsive eating and body shame.
At 17, weighing 250+ pounds, he found solace in running, which helped him lose weight and gain confidence.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Obsessive Thoughts and First Therapy

Despite running, Günsberg developed obsessive thoughts about STDs, leading to frequent clinic visits.
A clinic worker recommended therapy, leading him to a public health clinic, where he began addressing his anxiety.

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ANECDOTE

Self-Medication and Addiction

Günsberg began using drugs and alcohol to manage his mental health, finding temporary relief.
He acknowledges that this coping mechanism worked until it spiraled into addiction.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

A Journey Through Recovery and Redemption

02:12 • 4min

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Navigating the Labyrinth of Mental Health

06:25 • 23min

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Chaos at a Live Music Event: A Thrilling Retelling

29:52 • 5min

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A Journey Through Trauma and Healing After 9/11

34:52 • 2min

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Journey to Acceptance: Mental Health and Addiction

36:50 • 3min

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Navigating Fame and Mental Health

40:10 • 25min

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Navigating Mental Health: From Crisis to Clarity

01:05:12 • 6min

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Navigating Mental Health Challenges

01:11:01 • 18min

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Navigating Productivity and Mental Health

01:29:26 • 20min

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Transformative Journeys: From Self to Team

01:49:30 • 21min

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Reflections on Media Responsibility and Culinary Support

02:10:07 • 4min

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Back, after the Break

Osher Gunsberg

Osher Günsberg's memoir, "Back After the Break," offers a raw and honest account of his struggles with addiction, mental health challenges, and the arduous path toward self-discovery. The book details his experiences with psychosis, substance abuse, and the emotional toll these battles took on him. It also highlights his journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and embracing vulnerability. Günsberg shares hard-earned lessons and insights, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. The book's intimate and unflinching portrayal of mental health challenges makes it a powerful and moving read.

Even in the darkest moments, there exists the potential for redemption, rebuilding, and the reclamation of one’s life.

Today’s guest is a living embodiment of this truth.

Meet Osher Günsberg—one of the most celebrated television hosts and media personalities in Australia.

Longtime listeners may recall Osher’s first appearance on the podcast over nine years ago (episode #76) where we discussed his journey to the big stage and his transformation from being a chubby kid to a plant-powered, marathon-running host of Australian Idol. Shortly after that conversation, Osher experienced a public psychotic breakdown that left him terrified, distressed and convinced the world was coming to an end. But rather than hide this experience and internalize his struggles with his mental health and substance abuse, Osher bravely began to talk openly about his recovery.

Today he shares that terrifying experience in vivid detail, what happened, how he clawed his way back to sanity, and the hard-earned lessons he’s garnered along the way—which you can also read about in his powerful memoir, Back, After The Break.

Note: Today we discuss suicidal thoughts and ideation. If that subject is too confronting, perhaps skip this episode. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Osher demonstrated a huge amount of courage and vulnerability to share his story.

My hope is that his narrative serves as a powerful reminder that taking responsibility for your mental health is crucial, and the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

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