Tyson Fury said that he "lost the will to live" during his mental health struggles.
The former world heavyweight champion has struggled with depression throughout his career, and he has been a long-term advocate for greater mental health discussion.
Fury, 29, was banned from boxing in 2017 after he tested positive for banned substances. However, with his personal issues now seemingly behind him, the Briton has spoken about how he turned his life around.
"Before, I didn't know what it was and I was going in and out of it for a long time, but now I actually know what it is, I know how to handle it now more," he said in an exclusive interview with MTK Global.
"I came out the other side very strong. I have turned my life around. As I've said before, I lost the urge to live and want to give love, but now I have it all back."
Fury also discussed his plans to do more for mental health causes upon retiring.
"We need to raise more awareness about mental health ... it's something very dear to my heart," he added.
"I'm full time with a professional boxing career but in the next few years it might not be the case, so that's when I'll start to dig in and do a bit more for the community."
After a 32-month absence from the ring, Fury secured a comfortable fourth-round win over Sefer Seferi in June on his return from suspension.
He faces Italian Francesco Pianeta in Belfast on Aug. 18 in Belfast, with American Deontay Wilder or fellow Brit Anthony Joshua potential opponents later this year.
