Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.
Hollyoaks star Stephanie Davis has shared an emotional post about her recent personal struggles, after scoring a Best Actress nomination at the British Soap Awards.
The Sinead O'Connor actress is up for the prize following her return to the show last year, and candidly opened up about the dark place she was in a year ago.
"Over a year ago I was suicidal and tried taking my own life, I dreaded waking up in the mornings, I had no hope, I seen no light," she wrote on Instagram. "I Felt dead inside, I was battered emotionally & physically & TOTALLY gave up on life.
"I cannot believe how far I've come!!! I've fought SO hard, I've raised my son alone, I asked for help, I re-built my self, which I felt like it was going to take a life time, I'm happy again, I'm alive and free & truly happy, my family are smiling again, I've made them proud!"
Stephanie went on to thank her partner Owen Warner, management and boss on Hollyoaks, and spoke about how personal she has found portraying Sinead's current abuse storyline.
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"I'm beyond privileged to be given a storyline that is not only so close to me but that can help so many people who have been in & are still in this situation, in a toxic narcissistic, dangerous relationship," she continued.
"As you can imagine it's been very challenging for me to film, but I've done it!! It was so hard but I got through it and I've gave it my absolute ALL!!
"Because I once said, if anything I've gone through can help at least ONE person..I'd be happy- and with this storyline, I'm getting to reach out to so many people!"
The actress added that she was "feeling very grateful and blessed" as she encouraged fans to vote for her.
Last year, Stephanie opened-up about feeling suicidal following the breakdown of her relationship with ex Jeremy McConnell, who was convicted of assaulting her in 2017.
Hollyoaks airs on Channel 4.
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), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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