Coronation Street’s Beverly Callard has taken to Twitter to thank her fans for their support as she struggles with “the demons of depression”.
Taking to Twitter to open up about her mental health, Beverly wrote: “Been battling the demons of depression!
“One of the meds I'm on, has been stopped by pharmaceutical company, apparently it doesn't make money.”
The actress was soon flooded with messages of support from loyal Corrie viewers, all of whom seemed keen to make sure that the actress knew she wasn’t alone during this difficult time.
“So sorry and angry to hear this, please stay strong,” wrote one.
Another added: “You make very many people smile through that TV set.
“Very many people out there thinking of you.”
The actress later thanked them for their support, writing: “I'm getting there!!!!
“Thanks so much for all your good wishes xxxx”
Beverly has now, according to reports, been signed off from Corrie for two months.
This is hoped to give her doctors time to find a suitable alternative medication for her, and to give her the opportunity to focus on her mental health.
A source told Mirror Celebs: "Bev has taken some time off after one of the medications she takes for her depression was discontinued without warning causing her to have some problems.
"She is taking some time off whilst her doctors look for a suitable alternative."
It is not the first time that Beverly has battled with depression; in 2008, she was diagnosed with clinical depression and was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Admitting she came close to taking her own life, she told Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: "I tried maybe half a dozen times, but it wasn't a cry for help at all. I'd known for quite a while that I wasn't myself, but I didn't really know what to do about it.
"I was going to work and I was still filming and I didn't really talk to anyone about it and on that day they took me into The Priory in the early hours of the next morning and John said, and my doctor said, I looked like a 100-year-old woman.”
Beverly took a break from the soap and, thankfully, made a recovery with the help of her doctors.
Earlier this year, the soapstar spoke to the BBC as part of its In The Mind mental health season.
Encouraging others to speak out about their mental health, she said movingly: "I think clinical depression is a curse of the strong.
"I think you tend to be a people-pleaser and a perfectionist. If something goes wrong, you try and remedy it yourself and, of course, you can't make yourself better.”
She added: "I think the big thing is it's good to talk, and you should always talk.
“The help is out there, but you have to seek it out, it won't come to you.”
We wish Beverly all the best, and hope to see her back on ITV’s Coronation Street soon.
If you were affected by this story, please contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.