Troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan opens up on mental health struggles in harrowing detail: 'I hit rock bottom and found basement'
Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has revealed that he 'frequently' contemplated taking his own life, as he opened up about his mental health struggles in a harrowing discussion.
Ugle-Hagan fronted the Dogs' playing group on Monday, in a move that could open the door for the troubled forward to return to action this year.
The 23-year-old also took part in a light training session but could still be weeks away from a possible playing comeback at VFL level.
Ugle-Hagan hasn't played a game this season while dealing with personal issues, and has been unable to regularly train with the Bulldogs since late last year.
The 2020 No.1 draft pick recently visited a health retreat in northern NSW in an effort to get his life and career back on track.
'All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health,' Ugle-Hagan told Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson on the Rip Through It podcast.
Ugle-Hagan hasn't been a regular at Bulldogs training since late last year as he seeks to overcome off-field issues
'It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate so I couldn't drive, I just didn't trust myself driving.
'There were times when I would think about – to be honest with you – just not even worth even living.
'I went through a struggle where I didn't want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom, and found basement.
'Definitely (there were suicidal thoughts). Suicidal thoughts would come pretty frequently.
'Especially when I felt like I was on my own the whole time. The way I was isolated and put out in public.'
The young footy star says the health retreat has changed his life.
'It takes balls to talk in a group but once you do it, it is f**king amazing, it feels good and they have answers for you,' he said.
'You think you are alone and no one understands.
The talented forward (pictured with ex-girlfriend Olivia Kelly) is now looking at a possible comeback through the VFL after taking a huge step with his club
'But when you speak up and hear people's stories it makes you feel so much better hearing people's stories and knowing they're going through the same thing you are.'
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised the prospect of Ugle-Hagan resuming his 67-game AFL career with the club.
Ugle-Hagan says he can't wait to get back on the field.
'I want to play footy. I can't wait to play footy,' he said.
'I want to kick a f**king goal in front of those crowds.
'I have been watching every single Bulldogs game. I have been supporting them, been watching them.
'I will go to games at the end of the year. I genuinely want to play one more (game), I want to play some games.
'It's going to be grouse.'
Ugle-Hagan led the Bulldogs with a career-best 43 goals in 22 appearances last year, but has not featured at any level since the elimination final defeat to Hawthorn.
His return to the club comes with the Bulldogs (7-6) sitting ninth on the ladder, one win outside the top eight, ahead of a clash with Richmond on Sunday.
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