Nick Kyrgios, Australia’s tennis star and former world No. 14, spoke out about his mental health and a hard time in 2019.
He said that throughout his dark phase, he had suicidal thoughts, misused narcotics, and self-harmed.
The notorious crowd-pleaser, who won the Australian Open doubles gold last month, late Thursday released a long note on Instagram explaining his mental health struggles.
He talked about a picture from the 2019 Australian Open that showed marks on his arm.
“This was me at the Australian Open three years ago. Most people would believe I was psychologically well and enjoying my life… It was one of the lowest times of my life, “the 26-year-old said.
If you look carefully, you can see my self-harm on my right arm. I was contemplating suicide and was hardly able to get out of bed, much less perform in front of millions.
He shed light on the hardships he was experiencing at that trying time in his life.
“I was alone, miserable, and negative, abusing drink and drugs, and alienating family and friends. I felt as if I couldn’t communicate with or trust anybody. “
Kyrgios had a roller-coaster season before the 2019 Australian Open, where he was widely criticised for how he played on the court.
He was supremely gifted but also volatile, earning a reputation for on-court tantrums and meltdowns.
On Instagram, he said that his spiral into despair and suicidal thoughts were “a consequence of my refusal to open up and depend on my loved ones.”
Kyrgios stated that he was now “proud to say I’ve fully changed my view on life” and volunteered to assist anyone who was suffering.
“I understand that daily living may be exceedingly demanding and even difficult at times. I understand your concern that opening up will make you feel vulnerable or afraid. I’m here to tell you right now that it’s all right; you are not alone, “he continued.
Please don’t feel as if you are alone. If you feel as if you can’t speak to anybody, I’m here. Reach out.
Kyrgios, whose ranking has fallen to 137, is the latest high-profile athlete to talk openly about mental health, joining fellow tennis player Naomi Osaka.
The former world number one took a lengthy vacation last year after a heartbreaking third-round defeat at the US Open in September – the conclusion of a tumultuous period during which she battled uncertainty and claimed to suffer from melancholy.