Bindi Irwin is taking a step back.
The 22-year-old new mom has revealed she’ll be taking a break from the spotlight to spend more time with her family and to also protect her mental health.
“Hi guys, just a note to say thank you for your support,” the television personality, who welcomed daughter Grace Warrior with husband Chandler Powell back in late March, captioned the June 21 Instagram post. “I’m taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and wonderful family. I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you, but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal).”
She also alluded to taking time off to also protect her mental health, writing, “Recently, I’ve had many people reaching out to share their own stories of working hard to protect their mental health. Thank you for sharing and speaking your truth.”
“To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety and other battles every day—I see you,” she continued. “These issues are very real and deserved to be discussed and addressed.”
Bindi’s announcement comes just one day after she shared a Father’s Day post dedicated to her late father, Steve Irwin, her husband and her father-in-law, Chris. When a fan reportedly asked why her grandfather, Bob Irwin, was not included in the tribute—according to Page Six, in a now-deleted Facebook comment, Bindi revealed that she is not in communication with her grandfather and that their relationship is reportedly fractured.
To conclude her statement, Bindi also urged fans to have a positive outlook, adding, “Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care you and will support you during the good times and the hard times…You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness.”
