‘One of my darkest periods’ – Nick Kyrgios candidly discusses battles with depression and self-harm
In an emotional Instagram post, Nick Kyrgios has opened up on his struggle with mental health and revealed his battles with depression, self-harm and drug and alcohol abuse.
Newly-crowned Australian Open doubles champion Kyrgios has endured a turbulent time on the ATP tour in recent years, but has started the new season in excellent fashion,
However, in an honest Instagram post, Kyrgios uploaded an image of him at the 2019 ‘Happy Slam.’
The image shows scarring on his arm from self-harm.
In the caption, Kyrgios wrote: “this was me three years ago (2019) at the Australian Open.
“Most would assume I was doing okay mentally or enjoying my life…it was one of my darkest periods.
“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.”
Kyrgios has started the new year brightly, winning the Australian Open doubles with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, and said he is “proud” to have made such a turnaround.
He said: “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 okay, you are not alone.
“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,” he concluded.
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