Ricky Hatton has discussed the mental health battle that led to him trying to take his own life numerous times.
The former boxing champ is now encouraging those who feeling down to 'go and speak to someone'.
Ricky, 40, has spoken previously about his struggles with depression and anxiety following the end of his boxing career.
He has revisited his past as part of a special ITV News investigation, which aired on Wednesday (July 18).
"When they say dreams come true, mine really did come true," Stockport-born Ricky said.
"To fill out the Manchester Arena, to be seeing your name up in lights in Las Vegas. Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis carrying your belts in.
"But once your dream is over, you have experienced that high of being so loved by so many people and winning world titles.
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"Once that's gone, it's a hard thing to come back down to earth to.
After losing his title to Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas in 2007, Ricky considered taking his own life but says he turned to drink and the drugs as an alternative because he 'didn't have the strength to do it'.
'The Hitman' said his lowest moment was when he lost his fight with Manny Pacquiao in 2009, describing it as 'absolutely devastating'.
Following the defeat, Ricky says he went on to fall out with Billy Graham, his trainer and 'best friend' as well as his mum and dad, Ray and Carol.
"I thought to myself 'I have got no best mate, I've got no mum and dad, I've got no boxing no more'," he added.
"'What is my point being on planet earth?'"
The father of three and grandfather has since turned his life around having been reunited with his parents following the agonising family feud.
"Life has never been so good," Ricky said.
"I see how happy I am today with my mum, dad, my kids, my grandkids.
"Having gone through what I have gone through, I count my blessing every day for what I have got."
Ricky is now urging others to speak out if they too are feeling low.
He added: "I tell people, if you're feeling down, when you're feeling deep, go speak to someone."
The multiple world champion retired from boxing in 2012 and is now the trainer for rising heavyweight star Nathan Gorman.
Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
