Jelena Dokic, a tennis pro, shared an unsettlingly “raw, honest” photo of herself sobbing on a “bad day.”

The well-known tennis pundit and former World No. 4 supports frank discussion of mental health issues, such as depression.

Dokic provided an explanation for her choice to share the uncompromising photo of her with her eyes streaming and tears streaming down her cheeks in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

The message began, “To whoever needs to hear this today and always.”

“Let me just say that I’m fine before I begin.

This is from one of those “bad days” that we all have occasionally, but I felt it was essential to discuss it in the hope that it could assist someone else who may be struggling.

She continued by saying that it was always “OK to say you are not OK,” and that sobs and letting it all out were healthy.

“This was one of those days for me. I felt dejected and overwhelmed. I shed many tears. I let it all out, so that’s okay,” she wrote.

“I called a friend next, and then I got assistance.”

Jelena Dokic shows off her unpolished, frightened side on the left and her tough exterior on the right. Credit: Jelena Dokic on Instagram
Dokic claimed to have advice for anyone going through trauma recovery or dealing with it.

She wrote, “Never be ashamed to struggle.”

There is utterly no guilt in getting over a traumatic experience.

“Crying is not shameful.

“Restarting from scratch is not a sin.

“Seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness.

“Getting aid is not a sign of weakness.

“Owning your narrative is not a sign of shame.

“Admitting that you are in pain is not a sign of shame.

“There is no shame in admitting that you are having a hard time.

“There is no shame in putting in the effort to get past obstacles.”

Together, we’re in it

Dokic emphasized that emotional suffering shouldn’t be “swept under the carpet” or concealed.

“There is truth, growth, healing, strength, courage, and bravery in your pain, but only if it is shared and brought into the open,” she asserted.

Therefore, refrain from allowing your emotions to sob in silence.

“Let it out, it will be easier, and if you say it out loud, a huge weight will lift off your shoulders.”

There is no greater sorrow, she said, than keeping a secret narrative or pain inside of you.

Dokic concluded her message by saying, “I get it and I stand with you and beside you.”

Together, in. “Strong together.”

елина DOKIC. Credit: Jelena Dokic on Instagram
The hashtags #mentalhealth and #mentalhealthawareness were used in Dokic’s post.

Her supporters went to the comments section to express their gratitude for sharing both their weakness and their strength.

One follower commented, “I commend anyone who can share their emotions and talk about it.

“I appreciate your honest, open posts. I also enjoy reading the encouraging and supportive remarks.

Another person commented, “You are an incredibly inspirational woman – putting this out there helps not only you but thousands of other people who would probably not go and get help.”

“Well done; I really value your candor. Keep moving forward.

елина DOKIC. Credit: Jelena Dokic on Instagram
Jelena, “Oh. I appreciate you sharing. I appreciate your honesty. I appreciate you being sincere. Never, ever feel alone. composed a third.

One made a note: “I just wanted to thank you. Your posts are always at the perfect time to let folks know it’s okay since they are so authentic and raw.

Another person remarked, “Your courage and honesty are so inspiring and strong.”

“Your weakness makes you stronger, and by sharing it, you strengthen us all.

“Thanks for this and everything you do.”

Dokic has been open about the emotional and physical abuse she claims her father subjected her to while she was competing in tennis tournaments.

Sad, damaged, and alone

She recently shared a photo of herself when she was 17 years old, claiming that only a few weeks previously, her father had “beaten me unconscious.”

“Only a few years ago, I was raised in poverty, went through two periods of being a refugee, had nothing to wear, was bullied, felt alone, and dealt with racism.

“I almost committed suicide a few years after this picture was shot, but that didn’t happen right away.

“Deeply traumatized, broken, alone, sad, and in pain.

I’m proud of how it has shaped who I am today.

Dokic has consistently displayed unwavering bravery by disclosing extremely private and terrible facts of her upbringing at the hands of her allegedly abusive father.

“Let’s talk openly about the real issues in this world like mental health, suicide prevention, domestic violence, bullying, and child abuse,” she said with a photo of her worn-out-looking teenage self.

The more lives we can save, she continued, “the more we can remove the shame and stigma associated with it and the more we can have real and open conversations.”

“I have made it my job to speak out and tell my experience because of this.

“I’ve made it my goal to speak up, to attempt to help others do the same, and to not let myself be silenced.

“Let’s do it together because we are much stronger in numbers.”