League: Greg Inglis speaks out about battle with depression

Greg Inglis of the Rabbitohs. Photo / Getty

Troubled NRL star Greg Inglis has revealed seeing a therapist up to four times a day as he continues his battle against depression.

Speaking on television for the first time since checking into a mental health clinic in May, Inglis admitted he struggled being away from his South Sydney teammates following a season-ending knee injury.

He said some of his frustrations spilled into his home life, but only opted to speak up in the week leading into the Anzac Test between Australia and New Zealand.

Despite being injured, Inglis had spent the week in camp.

"I had a lot of weight on my family with the mood I was in at home," Inglis told Fox Sports' Sunday Ticket.

"I decided right there and then in the week leading into the Anzac Test in Canberra that I wanted to seek help. I told a handful of people, about three people.

"It was weighing on my family at home. I wasn't feeling right myself. I wanted to seek the help that I needed. I'm still seeking treatment now."

The South Sydney skipper said he had difficulty opening up in group sessions.

"They encourage you to go to group therapy. I wasn't a fan of that. I felt like going into a room and it felt like you were talking to the whole world. That's how I felt," he said.

"Some days I'd wake up, one-on-one therapy throughout the day, sometimes four times a day. That was really strong at the start in the first few days then it backed off.

"I'm a very sensitive person but I don't show emotions very much and I don't talk about my feelings very often. I keep things to myself. It's one thing I've been working on and speaking up."

Inglis, 30, who has been back running for three weeks, conceded he had also been scarred by near drug overdoses of two Rabbitohs teammates in 2015.

"There are these sad stories about these junior players coming through and going through the suicide path and overdosing," Inglis said.

"We had a few players a couple of years ago in Aaron Gray and Dylan Walker which really scared me, the entire club and the rugby league community. It ain't weak to speak."

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.