Former tennis player Jelena Dokic almost took her own life during a turbulent period which involved a heartbreaking split from her partner.
The 39-year-old, who now commentates on the game she once played, took to Instagram to explain the dark place she found herself just two months ago after her relationship of more than 18 years came to an end.
“Will never forget the day. Everything is blurry. Everything is dark,” she began. “No tone, no picture, nothing makes sense…..just tears, sadness, depression, anxiety and pain.
“The last six months have been tough. It’s been constant crying everywhere. From hiding in the bathroom when at work to wipe away my tears so that nobody sees it to the unstoppable crying at home within my four walls has been unbearable. Constant feelings of sadness and pain are just not going away and my life has been shattered.”
Dokic previously considered taking her life during her playing days, which she alluded to in a social media post to mark World Mental Health day last October. It has been a long and challenging battle fighting the demons inside her head, but thankfully the former world number four sought help and encouraged others in a similar position to do the same.
“I pulled myself off the edge, don’t even know how I managed to do it," she added. "Getting professional help saved my life. I am writing this because I know I am not the only one struggling. Just know that you are not alone. I am not going to say that I am doing great now but I am definitely on the road to recovery.
“Some days are better than others and sometimes I take a step forward and then a step back but I’m fighting and I believe I can get through this. I believe in the following: it’s ok to feel what I am feeling. It’s ok to feel sad just keep fighting and come back.”
Her comments section was flooded with supportive messages after showing such bravery with her heartfelt post. Tennis coach Sascha Aleksandar Bajin, who previously coached Naomi Osaka and now Karolína Plíšková, penned: “Takes a lot of courage and strength to show your real emotions and open up about something this dark. You're an inspiration to me and lots of others. Sending you lots of love, and positive energy. You got this Jelena.”
2003 Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis posted: “I’m here for you and only a phone call away!”, while Olympic champion swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote: “Oh darling I only hope that you will read the incredible outpouring of love from these comments & realise that it is not fake, or manufactured but so real - you are so loved & so needed & oh so worthy.”
