Former Australian PM Scott Morrison Reveals Struggles with Anxiety and Faith in New Book

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has opened up about his private battles with anxiety and his evangelical Christian faith in his new book, revealing a side of himself that was largely hidden from the public during his tenure as the nation's leader from 2018 to 2022.

In the memoir, Morrison discloses that he took antidepressants in 2021 to cope with acute anxiety while confronting immense challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions with China, and the AUKUS submarine deal with the United States and United Kingdom. The combination of physical exhaustion, political and media attacks, and the weight of these issues led to debilitating anxiety that required medical intervention.

Morrison sought assistance from a doctor in Canberra and credits the medication, along with his deep Christian faith, for helping him navigate the difficult period. "The combination of physical exhaustion, political and media attacks, and challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions with China, and the AUKUS submarine deal led to debilitating anxiety that required medical intervention," Morrison writes in the book.

The former prime minister also reveals that Australians did not know the real him during his time in office, as he largely kept his evangelical Christian faith private. Morrison's faith has been a significant part of his life, but he chose not to make it a central aspect of his public persona or political platform.

Why this matters: Morrison's revelations shed light on the immense pressures and personal struggles faced by world leaders, particularly during times of crisis. His openness about his mental health challenges and the role of his faith in his life contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of addressing mental well-being and the impact of personal beliefs on leadership.

The book also addresses other controversial aspects of Morrison's tenure, including accusations of lying, the 'pile-on' from his political foes, and how he found love. Additionally, Morrison discloses that he secretly appointed himself to five extra ministerial positions without the knowledge of the public or his own government, a move that is currently under investigation by the Labor government.

Key Takeaways

• Former PM Scott Morrison opens up about anxiety, Christian faith in new book.
• Morrison took antidepressants in 2021 to cope with debilitating anxiety as PM.
• Morrison kept his evangelical Christian faith largely private during his tenure.
• Book addresses controversies, including Morrison secretly appointing himself to extra roles.
• Morrison's revelations shed light on pressures and personal struggles of world leaders.