Jelena Dokic suffers from depression. She just showed us what a 'bad day' looks like.

Jelena Dokic has opened up about her reality of living with depression.

The former Australian tennis champion shared a vulnerable post on Instagram on Tuesday night, showing what a "bad day" looks like.

"Before I start, let me just say I am ok," the 40-year-old wrote in the caption.

"This is from one of those 'bad days' we all have sometimes but I thought it was important to talk about it in the hope that it might help someone out there."

Watch: The difference between sadness and depression. Post continues after video. 

In her post, she urged her followers to remember it's "ok to say you're not ok" and the photo is an example of one day when she wasn't. 

"I got overwhelmed and sad. I cried a lot. And that’s ok, I let it all out. Then I called a friend and then I got help," Dokic said.

"Never be embarrassed to struggle. There is absolutely no shame in healing from your trauma," she continued. 

"There is no shame in crying. There is no shame in starting over again. There is no shame in asking for help. There is no shame in getting help. 

"There is no shame in owning your story. There is no shame in acknowledging that you are in pain. 

"There is no shame in saying you are struggling out loud. There is no shame in working hard to overcome things."

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A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)

Dokic insisted that emotional pain should be talked about more, and that there is growth and bravery when you do.

"We suffered silently but we can and need to heal loudly," she said.

"There is no greater suffering than carrying an untold story or pain inside you.

"So don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to share your story and speak up. It’s your healing and for that you should never apologise."

Listen to this episode of No Filter, featuring Jelena Dokic being interviewed by Mia Freedman. Post continues after audio. 

Dokic ended by reminding those who struggle with depression to reach out. 

"So let it out, share your story with your close ones and most importantly get help if you feel like you need it," she wrote. 

"I get it and I stand with you and beside you. In it together. Strong together."

Dokic was a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2000 at the age of 17, and reached No.4 in the WTA rankings. 

She remains the only qualifier to ever defeat the world No. 1 at Wimbledon with her 1999 straight sets upset over Martina Hingis.

The tennis champion won six WTA singles titles and four doubles titles and represented Australia in the Fed Cup before retiring from the sport in 2014.

She has since become one of the leading voices in mental health awareness after opening up about her own experience.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

If you or someone you know needs support for body image issues, visit Butterfly.

Feature Image: Instagram @dokic_jelena.

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