Australian Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe has reportedly returned to his family home from rehab whilst battling depression and alcohol abuse.
Last week it was reported that Thorpe was admitted into hospital following a shoulder injury due to a fall and was released from medical care not long after.
His friends have revealed that Thorpe has struggled to adjust to life outside of the pool after the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games as well as the added disappointment of a failed comeback at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Close friend of Thorpe, radio broadcaster Alan Jones said that the swimmer had recently been going through some problems.
"We're hoping he's going to be okay and make a full recovery," another close friend added.
Additionally, he released an autobiography in 2012 in which he revealed that he had previously struggled with depression and alcohol abuse.
Thorpe said that he also used alcohol as a way of dealing with difficult situations in his life.
"Not even my family is aware that I've spent a lot of my life battling what I can only describe as crippling depression," he wrote.
Each year, approximately 1 in every 5 Australians experience a mental illness and on average, 1 in 8 males will experience depression in their lifetime.
You can find more information on depression and other mental illnesses on our Facts page. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, please visit our Find Help page to seek help.
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