Tuesday 10 October 2017 16:41, UK
Leon McKenzie says he had to reinvent himself after experiencing depression.
McKenzie found that an endless list of injuries towards the end of his career was a trigger for his life to spiral out of control.
Ex-footballer McKenzie, who turned to professional boxing, originally opened up about his problems with mental health in 2015.
"Everyone has a trigger and I always try to explain this to people, because when things do happen - whether you lose someone or lose your job or you're going through a divorce or you miss your kids - we all have a trigger," said McKenzie.
"There were a few things that affected me too much."
McKenzie attempted to take his own life in 2014 after the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his home.
"I didn't want to be here and I had three kids at the time - to feel like that is a massive deal. They are my life," McKenzie added.
"People stop believing in you, they stop being around you, friends disappear, then your life spirals out of control."
McKenzie, who retired from boxing last month, is also a mental health ambassador. He has set up his own organisation called Mind Reposition that aims to help the understanding of mental health problems in the UK.
"I had to start all over again now what that does your character, having had so much and having to start again at that age 35.
"I don't think many people would have wanted to start again at 35 years old. I had to reinvent myself. I had to reinvent Leon McKenzie."
McKenzie talks about his journey in the latest instalment of My Icon, which premieres on Thursday at 7am on Sky Sports Mix and is available On Demand. The episode is repeated on Thursday at 1pm, 6pm and 10pm.
Coinciding with Black History Month, Sky Sports' #MyIcon campaign brings you 31 exclusive interviews with top BAME sports personalities across the month of October. For more information click here
