Nick Kyrgios details depression and self-harm in powerful statement

Nick Kyrgios has opened up about his battle with depression and self-harm in a startling and raw social media post about his mental health.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the Aussie tennis star sent a powerful message to anyone going through what he was experiencing just a few years ago.

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The 26-year-old said he was struggling so much he turned to self-harming in one of the "darkest periods" in his life around the time of the Australian Open in 2019.

Kyrgios posted a photo of himself from the Australian Open in 2020 that showed scars on his right arm.

"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 & 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.

"I've been through those times when it seemed as if those positive energetic vibes were never ever going to be reality."

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Kyrgios won the Australian Open doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis last month.

He said he is now in a much better place in his life.

"'I'm proud to say I've completely turned myself around and have a completely different outlook on everything," he added.

"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."

Earlier this month, Kyrgios delved into his relationship with his family and how the rigours of being on tour had affected his mental health.

“No one knows what I’ve gone through, all the struggle I’ve overcome,” he said.

“I’ve self-harmed, was having dark thoughts about life.

“I always have my back and have all the confidence in the world. I lean on my loved ones.

"My relationship with my family wasn’t great a few years ago because I was always away and didn’t have my family around me.

“I was winning, losing, going through relationship problems, dealing with other problems and I was pushing them away because you feel like the world’s against you.

“I pushed everyone who was close to me away and I fell out with people and that’s something I’d never want again.

“I’m going seven months a year abroad in a new place every week. That’s why tennis is so hard in my opinion. The mental game is ridiculous."

Fans and fellow players sent their support to Kyrgios on social media.

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.

with AAP

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