Jelena Dokic has posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram alongside a photo that will never be forgotten in Australian tennis.
Jelena Dokic has posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram to mark World Mental Health Day.
The former tennis star has been a brave advocate for raising awareness for mental health intervention by sharing her own story of being physically abused by her father Damir Dokic — and revealing the long-term mental health issues that followed her trauma.
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The 38-year-old has now posted a photo on Instagram of her as a teenager showing the moment she says she was suffering depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress syndrome.
Her post includes the reminder that she almost “ended” her life a few years after the photo was taken.
The photo is taken from the 2000 US Open when Dokic held a post-match press conference hours after her father was removed from her match by security while shouting a stream of curses and insults.
Dokic bared every disturbing detail of her mental battles in her autobiography Unbreakable released in 2017.
Her post on Sunday night again showed just how important her story of coming out the other side is.
“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. Only a few years later I almost ended my life,” Dokic wrote in the Instagram post.
“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. That’s why today is so important to raise awareness globally of mental health issues and mental illness.
“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.
“Sometimes people underestimate the power of sending a text or making a phone call It doesn’t take a lot of time and effort and it might not seem like a big deal but it really can and does have an enormous impact. I know it always has and does for me.
“On every level, we need to have more open conversations about mental illness. So take care of yourself and take care of others on this very important global day.
“There is a lot we can do for ourselves as well as others. Call friends, family and those struggling and tell them you’re thinking of them. Send a bunch of flowers to someone who might be struggling. Write down what you’re grateful for. Look after your body and try to be active. Reach out for professional help if you need it. Sending you all so much love and especially to those out there struggling. Just know that you are not alone.
“If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.”
The former No. 4 ranked tennis player revealed in her book she suffered physical abuse from her father from the age of six.
She said she suffered physical abuse almost every time her father was displeased with how she performed on the tennis court.
Dokic’s revelations in her book include:
— She was knocked unconscious during one beating at the hands of her father
— She was regularly beaten with a belt and a hard-capped boot
— She was regularly verbally abused and labelled a “w***e” by her father; and
— She was made to try to find a place to sleep somewhere at the Wimbledon courts after her semi-final loss in 2000 after being told she was not allowed to sleep in the family hotel room — which her tennis career was funding.
Tennis Australia said in a statement in 2017 that concerns had previously been raised about Dokic’s welfare but a lack of co-operation from all parties meant they could not be fully investigated.
She has given up on ever reconciling with her dad, despite holding out hope he would one day come forward and apologise.
Earlier this year Dokic broke down on TV when praising Ash Barty’s parents in the role they have played in helping the Aussie star reach the No. 1 ranking.
Speaking after Barty’s victory at Wimbledon, Dokic became emotional during the live TV broadcast.
“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,” Dokic said.
Dokic earlier this year also revealed she has been trolled on social media about her weight.
She underwent an incredible physical transformation in late 2018 and early 2019, losing 38kg after reaching 120kg at her heaviest.
She has recently said she is in a much better place about her weight and her mentality surrounding it.
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