Jelena Dokic's candid admission on weight loss
Jelena Dokic has opened up on her 20kg weight loss and her previous struggles with depression and an eating disorder.
The former tennis player took to Instagram on Sunday to share before and after shots from her weight loss, taken seven years apart, and her past battles with self-worth.
She explained to her followers that her current weight loss was a result of her prioritising her mental health.
"This is not about body size but feeling that I am not worthy enough to even live!!! On the left 7 years ago," she said.
"Even though I have a bit less weight now on the right, this is not about weight. Because even if I was half the size on the left, I would still feel the same. And how is that? Not worthy enough to even live!!"
She explained that in the first photo she was afraid to leave the house and was "broken" from her battle with depression and PTSD.
"My face, body language and even clothing on the left says it all. This is how low my self worth was. I was afraid to get out of the house," she shared.
"I was not able to look people in the eye, I just wanted to wear black or dark grey and cover myself up. I even remember wishing to somehow fully cover my face and head and could I possibly not even need to go out of the house for the rest of my life."
"This was anxiety, depression, debilitating effect of trauma that made me feel I was worthless and not even worthy of living.
"This was the result of being put down my whole life especially by people close to me."
"The person on the left was broken, shattered, battling anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD and an eating disorder. At times I hoped I wouldn't wake up so that I don't have to feel like this anymore," she continued.
She then explained that she wasn't asking for pity as she didn't want to victimise herself.
"I wanted to survive and thrive and I got there."
She then shared a few motivating words on courage and resilience, saying: "Fight hard. Every single day, don't give up and no matter how scary it is get outside of your comfort zone. It will get easier and more comfortable to do so."
"Keep going after it even when it's scary. Be brave and never give up. The way to start feeling good in your own skin and life is to be who you really are and embrace and love yourself."
"Don't be afraid of mistakes and failures, they make you learn and as long as you get back up, that's all that matters."
"Don't you ever give up on yourself and your goals. Don't ever be defined by someone else's judgement and comments."
She encouraged her followers to stay true to themselves and remember their self-worth.
"Be yourself. Being authentic, real and vulnerable is the way to being happy and thriving. You are worthy and never allow anyone to tell you otherwise."
Images: Instagram