Movember 2021: Boxer Michael Zerafa shares his mental health struggles and suicide of friend

Boxer Michael Zerafa has opened up for the first time about the suicide of his friend and his own inner demons that have followed him despite his successful career.

Australian boxer Michael Zerafa is opening up for the first time about his struggle with mental health issues and the recent loss of his friend who took his own life.

“When I found out he chose to end his life, I was absolutely beside myself. In fact I was driving and I nearly got into a car accident out of shock,” Zerafa said.

“The thing that I found hardest to come to terms with is that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye and that I wasn’t going to get another chance to ask if he was okay.”

Zerafa, who has joined the Movember campaign – which encourages men to grow moustaches or facial hair in November to raise awareness about men’s health – as an ambassador, said his friend’s death “weighed heavily” on his mind and whether he could’ve done more.

Boxer Michael Zerafa training at his gym. Picture: Tony Gough

“If he had reached out to somebody, he could still be here with us today. This is one of the main reasons why I have teamed up with Movember,” he said.

“Not only because of the work Movember does across mental health and suicide prevention, but also because I want to remind my fellow bro’s that it’s okay to not be okay.

“And to remind them that a bad day only lasts 24 hours.”

Growing up in Melbourne, the 29-year-old said his childhood was riddled with low self-esteem, something that continues to follow him despite his career success.

“I would constantly look in the mirror and doubt what I looked like and my ability as an athlete,” he said.

“I could do everything right and still look in the mirror and find faults. If someone tried to compliment me I wouldn’t believe them, and I would always look to pick myself apart.

“I very quickly started putting all of these pressures on myself and these pressures naturally grew as I continued to fight, become competitive and commentary increased from critics and online bullies.”

Boxer Michael Zerafa will be an ambassador for this year’s Movember. Picture: Tony Gough

With a career forged in blood and bruises, the struggle never left the athlete, who admits there’s pressure to be at the “top of your game physically, mentally, and emotionally”.

He added that social media has played a big role in his “low moments”.

“I am very open in saying that this pressure alone can be an emotional challenge in itself,” he said.

“As I got older, I have learned some tools and tips that work for me to block out some of that negativity, such as spending less time on social media.”

“I admit that when I see negative comments online in the lead-up to a fight or following a fight, it weighs really heavily on me and I think ‘these people don’t like me’.”

Michael Zerafa in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio

Since 2003, Movember has raised more than $1 billion to fund medical research into men’s health.

Zerafa said is proud to grow his mo for the campaign, which starts on Monday, and raise awareness on men’s health issues.

He also hopes that by speaking up about his own journey, it will convince other men to do likewise

“There are a lot of guys walking around believing that they can’t reach out for help. Whether they’re athletes, dads, doctors or everything in between,” he said.

“I am a fighter. I have my own challenges too and I am extremely passionate about spreading the word and coming out and saying it is totally okay to not be okay, and to seek help.

Zerafa added: “If I can help spread awareness for men’s health by speaking up about my own experiences, or help just one guy feel comfortable enough to reach out and get help, then I have done my job.”

To join or support Movember’s work in men’s mental health and suicide prevention, head to movember.com.

Originally published as Movember 2021: Boxer Michael Zerafa shares his mental health struggles and suicide of friend