Australian radio presenter Carrie Bickmore sparked a wave of concern and solidarity on Tuesday after sharing a strikingly vulnerable selfie of herself crying in bed.
A raw moment of vulnerability
The 45-year-old media personality posted an image showing her with bloodshot eyes and mascara streaked down her cheek, apparently taken just after she had wiped away tears. Bickmore explained she had first uploaded the picture to her Instagram Stories and was subsequently 'flooded' with messages from worried followers.
'Posted this pic to my stories and got flooded with people having bad days too,' she wrote in the caption. 'So I thought I'd post it here and you can add a 'bad day here too' comment and we can all drown in our flatness together and not feel alone.'
She ended her post on a hopeful note, adding: 'Tomorrow is a new day.' Bickmore also made light of her dramatic change in demeanour, joking '(Also how quick did my 'don't mess with me attitude' disappear.)' and clarified the 'black mark' on her face was running mascara.
An outpouring of support from fans and famous friends
The candid post prompted a significant reaction in the comments section, with followers quickly sharing their own experiences and offering words of encouragement.
Several of Bickmore's well-known friends also lent their support. Television and radio personality Sophie Monk responded: 'Oh no. This made me cry. I feel you. Tomorrow is always a new day. Btw you have the cutest cry face xxx.'
Former tennis star Jelena Dokic wrote: 'Stay strong lovely. You got this. Sending you lots of light, love and hugs.'
Broadcaster Kate Langbroek commented 'Mia carrita [sic],' while Sally Crinis added: 'Love you xxx.' Many other fans left strings of red heart emojis and penned messages like 'I'm having a bad day too—we got this!'
A bumpy start to the New Year
The emotional post comes after what seems to be a tricky beginning to the year for the host. Just last week, Bickmore revealed she had suffered a nasty accident prior to a spray tan appointment.
She shared another photo showing a sore-looking lump and a small cut on her forehead. Captioning that image, she explained she had absent-mindedly bumped her head into the corner of a cupboard just twenty minutes before her tan.
Ever able to see the lighter side, she added 'Karma for vanity,' alongside a crying laughing face emoji.
Bickmore's decision to share her unfiltered moment of upset has highlighted the powerful connection she has with her audience, turning a personal low into a shared moment of mutual support.
