Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo says treatment is helping him get out of the "dark places" he found himself in due to depression.
The 25-year-old went public with his mental health diagnosis in May, missing a match against Fremantle but remaining within the Magpies' training setup.
He was lauded for his openness at a time when significant stigma still surrounds mental health diagnoses.
Discussing his mental state in depth for the first time on Monday, Fasolo said the challenges were not new.
"It's something I've been battling for years. In the last 12 months it all came to a head," he told Triple M.
"To think about where I was six months ago and the dark places I got myself into I almost feel silly.
"I had to put my hand up and say, 'Something is not right here', and now I'm dealing with it.
"It's something I'm still learning a lot about myself to be honest, and I'm getting better, getting the treatment I need."
Since returning to the Collingwood lineup, Fasolo has impressed.
He has 14 goals in six games since missing the round 11 match and kicked the sealer yesterday in a rip-roaring comeback win over West Coast.
He said his on-field performances and attitude were never reflective of his mental health.
"I know I'm a lot more level and engaged with the blokes around me. I was getting to the point where I couldn't hold conversations. I couldn't look blokes in the eye," he said.
"I just know the weeks are getting a lot easier for me. If that comes out on game day, even better.
"But I'm progressing and getting better."
Fasolo isn't the only player to go public with mental health challenges this year.
High-profile Western Bulldogs recruits Tom Boyd and Travis Cloke - a former teammate of Fasolo - have also stood down from playing duties at different points this season.
In May, the GWS Giants also announced Tom Downie's retirement after nine games to help deal with anxiety issues.
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
