Nick Kyrgios has revealed he was self-harming and had suicidal thoughts while competing at the 2019 Australian Open.
The Australian tennis star took to Instagram today with a lengthy post attached to a photo of himself sitting courtisde with headphones on in 2019.
Kyrgios, 26, is the most talented men’s tennis player to represent Australia in more than a decade, but his career has been peppered with controversy.
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In 2019 he lost in the first round of the Australian Open.
But the demons he was battling at that time were not widely known, until now.
“Most would assume I was doing OK mentally or enjoying my life… it was one of my darkest periods,” he wrote.
“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, pushed away family and friends. I felt as if I couldn’t talk or trust anyone.
“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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWfSeCJFMR/?utm_source=ig_embed&
“I’ve been through those times when it seemed as if those positive energetic vibes were never ever going to be reality. 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.”
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
*Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
*MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
*Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au
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