In a very brave and open interview, David Myers has revealed his mental health battle and the toll it took on his AFL career.

And now the Essendon midfielder and Movember Ambassador is hoping his story will inspire other men to share their experiences with illnesses, such as anxiety and depression.

“Men in general don’t tend to talk about issues they’re having,” Myers told Fox Sports News reporter, Drew Jones.

WATCH THE WHOLE INTERVIEW IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Finals Week 1

“That’s where we need to improve.”

The 29-year-old suggested there was an inextricable link between his physical and mental health, with a horror run with injury one of the triggers for his malaise.

Myers also conceded the Court of Arbitration for Sport ban for the club’s 2012 supplements scandal had contributed to his poor mental health.

“I probably let it go too long and fell in a bit of a hole,” Myers said.

“And that’s the whole point — as soon as you reach out for help there are great services through the Players’ Association and our welfare department.

“Very quickly what you think are big issues turn out to be pretty easily solved. You just need to order your thoughts and find a way to work through it.”

David Myers (left) with other AFL Movember Ambassadors. Picture: David Crosling Source: News Corp Australia

Myers paid tribute to his teammate, Aaron Francis, who withdrew from the club to better his mental health at the beginning of the year.

“Aaron had flagged he needed a bit of support and a bit of help, which was really brave of him,” Myers said.

“The club wrapped its arms around him. You saw his performance when he came back.

“It just shows that not just for football but for all of life how important it is to feel happy about what you’re doing and where you’re headed.”

Myers said the support within and from the AFL when it came to mental health was immense.

But he was cognisant not all people receive the same assistance.

“It’s something I think clubs are well aware of these days and the support for the players is fantastic,” he said.

“I think if the greater public can get in the position where they’re offered the same support we are then it will help a lot more people.”