America's Cup-winning skipper John Bertrand has expressed his support for Ian Thorpe saying he suffered depression himself when he retired.
Bertrand, the president of Swimming Australia, says the organisation will give Thorpe all the support he needs to get through his battle.
The five time Olympic gold medallist is in rehab after being found disoriented near his parents' Sydney home early on Monday on a combination of antidepressants and medication for a shoulder injury.
"He is going through a very, very tough time," Bertrand told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"He has a very serious illness and we will endeavour to give all the support we can, through his friends, through his peers.
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"It is one of those things when I retired I went through something similar after winning the America's Cup, nothing as extreme as what we are seeing with Ian."
Thorpe's father hopes the Olympic legend's treatment for depression will work.
"He is battling with his health issues at the moment and he is having a tough time," Ken Thorpe told News Corp.
"But hopefully in six months' time he will be out the other side."
Thorpe's manager James Erskine confirmed the 31-year-old is in rehab for depression.
Thorpe has won the most Olympic gold medals of any Australian. He was the most successful athlete at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, winning three gold and two silver medals.
* Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.
