'Sadness and pain': Jelena Dokic's brave Mental Health Day message
Former Aussie tennis star Jelena Dokic has taken to Instagram to help raise awareness for Mental Health Day with an eye-opening post about her struggles in the past.
Dokic, whose mental health struggles in the past are well documented, took to Instagram and posted a heartbreaking message about a time of her life when she was struggling from depression and anxiety.
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The former tennis posted a photo from the 2000 US Open, where she was suffering from depression and detailed the long-term effects her mental health battle took on her.
"This photo brings up a lot of sadness and pain and was taken during a period of my life where I was experiencing depression, anxiety and PTSD," she wrote on Instagram.
"Only a few years later I almost ended my life. Today I am in such a different space.
"Having gone through many personal challenges and come out the other side, I know how important it is to check in on people around you.
"I know that not everyone is fortunate enough to get through difficulties like I have."
The photo, taken at the 2000 US Open, was at her press conference following her father being removed from her player's box after shouting and cursing during the match.
Dokic detailed her experiences with mental health struggles in her book Unbreakable, in 2017.
The Australian went on to help raise awareness for those suffering from mental health challenges on Mental Health Day.
"That’s why today is so important to raise awareness globally of mental health issues and mental illness," she added.
"It might not seem like a big deal but for anyone facing mental health struggles, just knowing that someone cares for you really does make a world of difference.
"I know how important it is to check in with family, friends or anyone struggling. I struggled immensely and wish more people would have checked in on me.
"So please show support and be kind because you never know what someone is going through and what battle they are fighting."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Jelena Dokic details past experiences
In 2017, Dokic's biography titled 'Unbreakable' alleged a sustained period of physical, verbal and emotional abuse from her father - who once reportedly kicked Dokic out of the London hotel room they were staying at because she lost the Wimbledon semi-final in 2000.
More recently, Dokic made headlines for her emotional message about Ash Barty when she won her made Wimbledon title.
In doing so, Barty became the first Australian woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980.
And during broadcast, Dokic took a moment and wanted to give a shout out to Barty's parents after the historic achievement.
“I just want to get this out before I fall apart,” she said. “So give me 15 seconds.
“I want to give a shout out to her parents, obviously Josie and Rob, because people underestimate the importance of family. She talks about that all the time.
“And as someone who didn’t have that support, it is so important. This will set an example for parents in Australia and around the world, not just how to raise a champion but a genuinely wonderful human being.
“This is how you support them. You don’t pressure them, you’re there for them and this is why she is there, so big shout out to them, well done.”
Dokic's voice was cracking up as she delivered the emotional message but to her credit, the 38-year-old managed to stay composed.
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