COLLINGWOOD's Alex Fasolo has revealed that he has been battling mental health issues for years before the issue came to a head in the past 12 months.

Fasolo took a break from football at the end of May as he managed depression.

The 25-year-old missed just one match – the round 11 clash against Fremantle – and continued to train and be part of the day to day activity at Collingwood as part of his treatment for depression.

"If I'm really honest with myself, it's probably something I've been battling for years and probably the last 12 months it all came to a head," Fasolo told Melbourne radio station Triple M.

"I probably had to put my hand up and say, 'Something is not right here', and now I'm dealing with it.

"It's something I'm still learning a lot about myself to be honest, and I'm getting better, getting the treatment I need.

"To think about where I was six months ago and the dark places I got myself into I almost feel silly, but it's just one of those things and it's becoming more and more common."

Fasolo has kicked 16 goals in his last seven games, including the last goal of the match in the Magpies' come-from-behind 18-point win against West Coast on Sunday.

"I'm playing some OK footy at the moment, but more than anything it's (the) weeks (behind the scenes) that were really killing me," he said.

"I know I'm a lot more level and engaged with the blokes around me and I was getting to the point where I couldn't hold conversations.

"I couldn't look blokes in the eye.

"I just know the weeks are getting a lot easier for me, if that comes out on game day, even better.

"But I'm progressing and getting better."

Fasolo thanked his Collingwood teammates and coach Nathan Buckley for their support.  

"I reckon it took a lot of blokes by surprise," Fasolo said.

"Maybe two, maybe three years I walk into the club each day and put on this big front and it was becoming too much to suppress.

"I had a few blokes fooled. I think a few blokes close to me knew something was going on, but I'm bloody lucky to have some really good mates at the club who were really supportive.

"The coaching staff and Bucks has been a champ about it. Lucky I have got good people around me." 

Anyone seeking help with depression or other mental health issues can call beyondblue (1300 22 4636) or Lifeline (13 11 14)