Aussie Billionaire James Packer Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles, Sugar Addiction, and Weight Loss Journey

Australian businessman speaks candidly about bipolar disorder, medication, and break-up with Mariah Carey in a rare interview.

Australian billionaire James Packer recently spoke candidly and seldom with Seven Network’s Spotlight about his continuing battles with drugs, mental health, and weight reduction. Known for his business endeavors, the 57-year-old shared a look into his personal struggles and path to improved mental health.

Mental Health Struggles and Bipolar Disorder:

Packer spoke candidly about his struggle with bipolar disorder, disclosing that he had diagnoses for both the illness and PTSD and OCD. Packer, who described his manic episodes, said that Harvard University’s top psychiatric facility, McLean Hospital, had given lithium to him in 2022. But after two weeks of beginning the medicine, he felt like a “complete zombie” due to unfavorable side effects.

“The worst drug I was on was lithium. Within two weeks I was a zombie. I was a complete zombie,” Packer said during the interview.

Often used to treat bipolar illness and lessen mania-related symptoms, lithium is a mood stabilizer. Professor Christopher Davey, the Cato Chair and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, noted that while it may be quite successful for some people, not everyone responds to it in the same way as other therapies for mental illness.

Lithium’s detrimental effects on cognition are not well-supported by research, according to University of Melbourne Mood Psychosis Spectrum Group Director Associate Professor Tamsyn Van Rheenen. She cited recent findings that suggest a sizable fraction of people with bipolar illness have cognitive problems, which may explain Packer’s uneasy emotions.

Weight Loss Journey and Sugar Addiction:

The path that Packer took to lose weight and his battle with an addiction to sweets were other topics of discussion. Packer has been unable to lose weight despite using Ozempic, a medicine that is sold in Hollywood that is intended to treat obesity. His eating of “truckloads of sugar,” which includes biscuits and other sweet goodies, is the reason he links this to his behavior.

“I’m on Ozempic, and I’m putting on weight. I’m eating a lot of sugar. It’s just truckloads of sugar—biscuits, everything, all of that,” Packer admitted.

Packer’s weight struggles have been a concern for him, and he shared his plans to focus on improving his mental state while trying to lose weight.

Break-up with Mariah Carey:

The millionaire also discussed his well reported 2016 breakup with diva Mariah Carey. After meeting in 2014 and being engaged in 2016, the pair called it quits a few months later. Carey has kept quiet about the connection for the most part and left Packer out of her book. She did, however, acknowledge to The Guardian in 2020 that they weren’t romantically involved.

When Packer disclosed that the breakup was a “train wreck,” Carey thought he had fabricated a narrative for a magazine to malign her. This event added to Packer’s problems with mental health during a difficult moment in his life.

Journey Towards Better Mental Health:

Packer gave a favorable report on his mental health despite the difficulties. He said that he was “mentally better” today and that quitting drinking in 2017 had been a big step. Even though he doesn’t have all the answers, he stressed that his path is continuous and that he is dedicated to improving his mental health.

“It’s an adventure for me. Someone who says, “I’ve got it worked out and I have all the answers,” is not the person you are interviewing. I’m standing here saying, ‘I’m not that person, but I’m doing my hardest.'” stated Packer.

The conversation with Packer clarifies the intricacies of mental health issues and the need of appropriate diagnosis and treatment. His narrative emphasizes how crucial it is to get expert assistance and choose the best course of therapy since every person’s road towards mental wellness is different.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial to seek professional help. Resources are available to provide support and guidance.