Tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who recently won the Australian Open doubles title, opened up about his struggles with mental health issues in a social media post on Thursday. The 26-year-old posted a picture of himself from the 2019 Australian Open, calling it one of the "darkest periods" in his life.
"This was me 3 years ago at the Australian Open. Most would assume I was doing ok mentally or enjoying my life… it was one of my darkest periods," wrote Kyrgios.
"If you look closely, on my right arm you can see my self harm. I was having suicidal thoughts and was literally struggling to get out of bed, let alone play in front of millions. I was lonely, depressed, negative, abusing alcohol, drugs, and pushing away family & friends. I felt as if I couldn’t talk or trust anyone," he added.
In the same post, he explains why he resorted to self-harm and struggled with drug abuse. He says, "This was a result of not opening up and refusing to lean on my loved ones and simply just push myself little by little to be positive. I know that day to day life can seem extremely exhausting, impossible at times. I understand that you feel if you open up it may make you feel weak, or scared. I’m telling you right now, it’s OK, you are not alone."
While talking about his mental health struggles, he also shares how he overcame it all. "I’ve been through those times when it seemed as if those positive energetic vibes were never ever going to be reality," he says.
He adds, "Please, don’t feel as if you are alone, if you feel as if you can’t talk to anyone, I’m here, reach out. I’m proud to say I’ve completely turned myself around and have a completely different outlook on everything, I don’t take one moment for granted. I want you to be able to reach your full potential and smile. This life is beautiful 🗣"
The raw Instagram post has reached out to millions, and has shocked his fans, since the revelation comes just a month after Kyrgios won the Australian Open doubles title.
However, the message that the Australian tennis player sends across has been welcomed by people with open arms and praised.
Famous athletes who have struggled with mental health issues
It is not the first time a sportsperson has come to the fore and opened up about his or her mental health struggles.
In the recent past, young athletes have withdrawn from important championships and Olympic games so as to tend to their mental health. From tennis star Naomi Osaka, who dropped out of the French Open due to struggles with depression and social anxiety, to US gymnast Simone Biles, who withdrew from the team finals at the Summer Games, many sports people have taken initiatives to bring mental health concerns to the forefront.
Swimmer Michael Phelps, who is the most decorated Olympian of all time, has also talked about his grapple with mental health issues. In a 2018 interview with CNN, he said, “After every Olympics I think I fell into a major state of depression." He also revealed how he resorted to drug use and contemplated suicide.
Another Olympic gold medalist, swimmer Amanda Beard in her memoir “In The Water They Can’t See You Cry,” discussed her struggle with depression and self-harm. She also opened up about struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and drug abuse. In a 2012 interview, Beard said, “Know that you’re not alone, there are millions of people across the nation and the world who are experiencing the same things that you are."
