Kym Marsh opens up about depression battle: ‘I had to see a counsellor’

Kym Marsh is on top of the world at the moment, haven't recently announced her engagement to Dan Hooper - but her onscreen alter ego Michelle isn't sharing in Kym's good fortune.

The actress is currently working on the big bus crash storyline for Coronation Street which ties in with Steve McDonalds' battle with depression.

And, writing in her column for OK! magazine, Kym has said that the cast are currently pulling 12 hour days to ensure they do the scenes justice.

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She said: "Long days are worth it when you receive good feedback and people have told me how pleased they are that Corrie has included a depression storyline.

"It can be a taboo subject and people can feel ashamed, but they shouldn't.

"I've had some help in the past when I've suffered with a little bit of depression and it really made a difference - it's so worthwhile getting things off your chest."

The former Hear'Say singer added that she also suffered with panic attacks, experiencing her first at the age of 18.

She revealed: "I saw a counsellor and now I've got to the point where I recognise the symptoms.

"I try and look at it like an old friend coming to visit me and I know I can ride it out.

"It's amazing how you can calm your mind - it's just that sometimes you need help to do that, and that's nothing to feel ashamed about."

Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald opposite Kym's Michelle on the ITV soap, also recently confessed to suffering from depression himself.

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The actor explained: "I've suffered a little bit myself in the past and I've got friends who have.

"That's why when I was told about this storyline I was determined to do it justice.

"I think [Steve is] frightened. It's a big label to put on somebody and his initial reaction is that he's just got a lot of stress and that he'll be fine.

"He doesn't want to accept he might be depressed. There's that pride thing, man up and put a brave face on it."

Have you been affected by Steve McDonald's story? Let us know via the comments box below.