Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has opened up about her mental health and experiencing "dark" days during the country's lockdown, admitting to fans that she has recently felt "horrendous".
Catherine, who has frequently addressed the importance of taking care of your mental health, shared a candid and emotional post on Instagram earlier this week, revealing to followers that her mum had been receiving treatment in intensive care.
Opening up about the impact of her mum's illness, Catherine admitted that some days had felt "incredibly hard. Dark. Unworkable." She explained: "When my mum was in ICU I could barely function. It seemed all I could do was cry.
"I couldn't parent. My inner child simply craved my mums touch... Thus I felt shame/mum guilt for not being able to 'mother' my own son."
Paying tribute to her husband, who she called her "greatest support", Catherine continued: "Some people don't have anyone. I can't bear to imagine that. Teamed with a huge change in my hormonal balance – last month was nothing short of horrendous.
What to Read Next
"It's massively important to me that we all #TALK."
In a bid to encourage others in similar situations to discuss their problems, the Corrie star also took part in a mental health panel on Instagram. "Let's all support each other guys. Please keep [talking]."
Coronation Street currently airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk).
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
![The Road to Coronation Street [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568634215-51d4CaKIrCL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Road to Coronation Street [DVD]")
![The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568634418-51we2BNTW1yL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]")
ITV The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
