Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic has openly spoken out about her mental health fight in a painful post on social media, saying she will be “stronger than ever” after considering taking her own life earlier this year.
Doc, in a post on Instagram on Monday night, gave a raw account of his fight. He began by counting down the days to “never forget” in April.
He said the post “is not easy to write but I have always been open, honest and weak with all of you and I deeply believe in helping us and helping each other in the power to share our stories”.
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“Getting professional help saved my life,” he said.
The last six months have been “tough,” Doc said.
“It’s crying everywhere,” he wrote in a long Instagram caption.
“The irresistible cries in the house within my four walls were unbearable, to wipe away my tears from hiding in the bathroom so that no one would see.
“The constant feelings of sadness and pain are not going away and my life is broken.
“I blame myself, I don’t think I’m worthy of love and I’m afraid.
“I also know that I still have a lot to be thankful for and then I start to hate myself because feeling like this makes me feel like I’m not grateful because I definitely don’t want to end it.
“Such a vicious cycle in my head.”
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In case of emergency, call 000.
Despite the last six months of fighting, Doc said he wanted to share his story to inspire others who are going through similar struggles.
“I’m writing this because I know I’m not fighting alone. I just know you’re not alone,” he said.
“I’m not going to say I’m doing great now but I’m definitely on the way to recovery.
“Some days are better than others and sometimes I go one step further and then one step back but I am fighting and I believe I can go through it.
“It’s okay to feel what I’m feeling. It’s okay to be sad, just keep fighting and come back. That’s what I’m trying to do and that’s what keeps me going.
“Don’t be ashamed of what you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel that way and you can come back from it. It’s possible, just believe.
“I love all of you and here to fight and survive and see another day. I will come back stronger than ever.”
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