The model tells all in her new memoir.

Gisele Bündchen is possibly one of the most successful models of all time. Yes, whether you have an interest in fashion or not, no doubt you’ll recognise her face, however, even her biggest fans mightn’t know that she struggled with her mental health earlier in her career. In her new autobiography, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, Gisele reveals that 15 years ago, just as her career was taking off, she began suffering from panic attacks. The panic attack happened on a bumpy plane journey and then spiralled into a fear of tunnels, elevators and other enclosed spaces. Eventually, it leads to the model contemplating suicide as she discusses in the book.

“I actually had the feeling of, ‘If I just jump off my balcony, this is going to end, and I never have to worry about this feeling of my world closing in,” Gisele tells People.

The model went on to seek professional help and was given a prescription for Xanax, but decided to forego medication and instead of trying a new healthy diet and practising yoga and meditation.

“I had been smoking cigarettes, drinking a bottle of wine and three mocha Frappucinos every day, and I gave up everything in one day. “I thought, if this stuff is in any way the cause of this pin in my life, it’s gotta go.”

Gisele says that although things looked perfect from the outside, things in her personal life were not so great. However, she says she learned a lot from the difficult.

“I felt like maybe it was time to share some of my vulnerabilities and it made me realise, everything I’ve lived through, I would never change because I think I am who I am because of those experiences.”