Former Olympian Leisel Jones opens up on mental health battle in candid Instagram post

News.com.au

5 hours ago

Olympic champion Leisel Jones has shared a candid account of her ongoing mental health journey, reflecting on a recent difficult day and the importance of seeking help.
The former swimmer posted a photo of herself in tears, explaining that she had experienced one of her 'worst days' and had felt overwhelmed.
'Stay until tomorrow. It's one of my favourite sayings … I think I have been battling high functioning depression for a little while now and have just gone back to work with a psych,' she wrote.
'In the dark moments I promise myself to just stay until tomorrow and it's amazing what the next day can bring.'
The following day, Jones said, brought calm and clarity.
'Today was spectacular. I had some free time after work and went on an hour-long walk along the beach. No goals. No plans. Just enjoy the sunshine and the view,' she said.
'It changed my whole perspective on things.'
She encouraged others who may be struggling to give themselves time.
'So if life has felt like a kick in the c**t lately, promise me you'll stay until tomorrow.'
Jones, who won three Olympic gold medals and nine in total over a celebrated career, has previously spoken about her mental health challenges. Last month, she recalled a low point in 2011 when she considered ending her life.
But an important conversation with her therapist turned her around.
'I remember Lisa saying to me, she said there is light at the end of the tunnel. I was like, who bloody blew it out because I can't see it … but extraordinarily it does [get closer]. That light will always be there, but you just have to find it, and sometimes you do have to light it yourself.'
Now 39, Jones recently moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, a transition that she said left her feeling 'incredibly lonely' as she searched for a new sense of community.
She also reflected on how mental health was often dismissed during her time atop her sport.
'I did not care for my mental health whatsoever, because it was completely neglected and was not important,' she said.
'Even as a youngster, when I was coming up, I was told that we were not allowed to use psychologists, because psychologists were for weak athletes.
'I believed I was very strong, but I just did not have that connection with strong mental health and a strong body. So that internal connection between mind and body is so important.'
Jones urged others to be honest about their own struggles and not hesitate to seek support.
'It's a lot of hard work … the first thing is recognising that you may have a problem and that you may want to work through it. It is incredibly brave to go and seek help.'
'It's gritty, it's awful, and it sometimes feels like it's a waste of time. But trust me, it's so worth it, because there is hope out there.'