Inside James Packer’s mental health struggles: “No one is immune”
Billionaire James Packer’s shock resignation from Crown Resorts yesterday for “personal reasons” has shone a light on the issue of mental illness.
Despite being born into wealth and privilege, the 55-year-old has suffered a tumultuous personal life – some played out in the public spotlight – and long battled depression.
“Mr Packer is suffering from mental health issues,” a spokesman for his private investment company Consolidated Press Holdings said. “At this time he intends to step back from all commitments.”
BeyondBlue welcomed Mr Packer’s acknowledgment of his mental health struggles, saying it showed that “no one is immune”.
From an early age, Mr Packer had a difficult relationship with his father, the late media mogul Kerry Packer.
In an interview with Seven’s Sunday Night in 2013, Mr Packer revealed that their relationship had ended on a good note even if he was a “larger than life character” who “could be terrifying”.
“My father was an amazing man. No person is perfect and no father-son relationship is perfect,” he said. “He wanted me to live my life my way and never think about what he would have done or what he would have wanted to do.”
In the same interview, Mr Packer spoke about how he became depressed and put on weight after the collapse of telco business One.Tel in 2001. It was a year before his married to Jodhi Meares ended.
“There is no doubt One.Tel was a terrible investment and something that I regret greatly,” he said. “I became depressed and I was emotionally exhausted and my marriage had broken up. I felt isolated, I felt like a failure. Obviously it was not a great time in my life.”
His next married to Erica Baxter, whom he had three children with, ended after seven years in 2013.
It is believed that the breakdown of his marriage was part of an array of issues that led to the shocking public brawl with former Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell, who had been best man at the couple’s wedding.
One in five Australians at some stage in their life are affected by mental health conditions.
BeyondBlue said talking openly about mental health reduce stigma and countered outdated attitudes.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time — no one is immune,” chief executive Georgie Harman said in a statement. “When anyone — including a high-profile person — is prepared to talk publicly about these matters it encourages others to have the conversation.
“Workplaces that support individuals taking time out to look after their mental health are creating environments that are not only healthier for everyone, but more productive.
“Leaders in all organisations face varying levels of stress. Ignored, these issues can develop into mental health conditions. Prioritising and actively managing our mental health and wellbeing can prevent illness. Seeking support and treatment early is crucial to recovery.”