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Olympic legend Leisel Jones opens up about mental health struggles after sparking concern on social media

BBG News

Leisel Jones openly discussed her battles with mental health issues following a social media post that raised concerns.

This past month, the well-known broadcaster and Olympic gold medalist, aged 39, posted on social media about a troubling matter, confessing that she had contemplated ending her own life.

The image displayed Leisel emotionally on the steps of her residence, her eyes brimming with tears, as she confessed in the description that she had endured a particularly tough day.

In her conversation with the Daily Telegraph, Leisel expressed, ‘At that particular moment, what I truly yearned for was a peaceful death during sleep, believing it to be the most wonderful aspiration.’

In Leisel’s latest post, there was an additional picture capturing her moment immediately after finishing a healing stroll the next day.

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She mentioned that her motivation for publishing the honest post was to emphasize ‘how much can change in just a day.’

She expressed, “Yesterday was truly awful, but today I experienced the best walk I’ve ever taken. So, I decided to share it.

‘I’m going to post this just to show the difference a day can make.’

Leisel, in a post, mentioned that she experiences ‘high-functioning depression’. She decided to share her battle with depression openly because it’s important to remember that, despite appearing cheerful on the surface, depression can still impact people like her.

‘I am really passionate about talking about it,’ she said.

As a devoted admirer, let me clarify something crucial: Depression doesn’t just affect those who appear to be wallowing in sorrow. It can strike even the most accomplished individuals, the ones who excel at their tasks, consistently meet deadlines, and maintain an impressive work ethic. They may seem to have it all together on the outside, but on the inside, they are battling a silent, relentless foe.

Leisel’s heartbreaking post began with the simple words: ‘Stay until tomorrow’.

‘It’s one of my favourite sayings. Yesterday was one of my worst days and I wanted to end it all.’

She went on to say: “I believe I’ve been dealing with depression that functions well, though it has been present for some time now. I recently returned to work under the care of a psychiatrist.

As a lifestyle guide, I find myself reassuring myself during tough times that I’ll simply persevere until tomorrow. It’s truly remarkable how much positive change the dawning of a new day can bring.

In my experience as a lifestyle expert, I’ve found that emerging from a difficult period such as a depressive episode can bring about an extraordinary sense of clarity and renewal. Over the subsequent day, I noticed a significant shift in my mood, filled with a vibrant optimism that truly made me feel alive once more.

She remarked that today was wonderful, as she found herself with some leisure time following work and spent it strolling for an hour along the shoreline instead.

‘I had no specific aims or agendas; instead, I simply basked in the sun and appreciated the scenery. The absence of my usual companion, @iammeagennay, was felt, yet I found solace in walking alone. This simple act shifted my entire outlook on life.’

‘So if life has felt like a kick in the c**t lately, promise me you’ll stay until tomorrow.’

The post received a wave of backing, with friends and admirers like comedian Dave Hughes among the respondents.

He wrote, ‘Although Australia cares for you, what truly matters is that you enjoy your life. In fact, it doesn’t matter at all. Instead, let’s simply take some time to be quiet and peaceful.’

I understand what you’re going through, Leisel. It might be worth sticking around for another day, and the day after that…and the day after that. Remember your strength and identity.

14 years ago, on a fateful night, Leisel was moments away from ending her life. This revelation came to light last month, as she opened up about it.

At the Albury Wodonga Winter Solstice gathering, the renowned swimmer shared her insights, emphasizing that anyone in distress should not hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

Leisel admitted she contemplated suicide in 2011 while she was on a training holiday in Spain.

However, during that period, Rohan Taylor – then her coach and now the Head Coach of Swimming Australia – intervened and arranged for her to receive the urgent assistance she was crying out for.

She expressed that she had paid no attention to her mental well-being at all, as it was disregarded and considered unimportant. Even in her younger years, she was instructed that psychologists weren’t for athletes like us, but rather for those who were deemed less strong.

As a 14-year-old girl, I was unable to meet with a psychologist before my inaugural trip to the Olympics.

That was incredibly tough on me, since discussing mental health would have been beneficial for me, as I didn’t view myself as a less capable athlete due to it.

For those grappling with their mental well-being, it’s strongly recommended that you reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 for support.

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2025-07-12 14:19

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