HOME AND AWAY STAR EMILY'S BATTLE 'I NEARLY LOST HOPE'

The Summer Bay sweetheart reveals the moment she hit rock bottom and how acting put her back on top

- Tamara Cullen

Six months before she was cast as Mackenzie Booth in Home And Away in 2019, Emily Weir decided to quit drinking.

Throughout her twenties, the Aussie actress used alcohol as a coping mechanism to hide her crippling anxiety, which began after her parents divorced. But over time, the endless parties became less fun and the impact of her depression more pronounced. The Brisbane beauty faced a frightening crossroads - confront her demons or spiral out of control.

"In my twenties, I was lost and confused," Emily admits. "Things were on the line and I nearly lost hope. It was difficult to ask for help because I had too much pride. So when I was at what felt like the point of no return, something inside me said, 'I have to change. I need help? The turning point for me was hitting rock bottom.

"I was fortunate I had people around me when I needed them. I tried everything I could to get better. The struggle out isn't easy, but I clawed my way out."