Note: This article contains discussion of subject matter including depression, body dysmorphia and anxiety.
Hollyoaks star Malique Thompson-Dwyer has shared a candid social media post regarding his mental health. Taking to Instagram on Thursday (11 June), the actor shared an update with fans, which he captioned: "Life Lately."
Sharing a series of images, Thompson-Dwyer, who plays Prince McQueen on the Channel 4 soap, opened up about how he has been feeling. In the caption, the actor said the past few years of his life have been marked by "depression" and "body dysmorphia".
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"Life Lately. Life is one big learning curve, full of lessons that shape you into who you're meant to be," he wrote. "The last two years haven't been easy. Feelings of depression, body dysmorphia, anxiety, days where I couldn't see a way forward."
The actor said he was "still standing", adding: "God had a plan bigger than my pain... My faith in Jesus Christ, the gym, work, family, and learning to believe in myself again. Consistency and prayer changed everything."
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Offering some uplifting words, he concluded: "Life is you vs you. Get out of your own way. Buy the clothes. Book the flight. Learn to love yourself. Nothing is impossible. I'm living proof. If you're in a dark place right now, it doesn't have to be the end of your story."
The actor, who has also appeared in I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebs Go Dating, was supported by several followers in the comment section, with one writing: "Loving this wholesome chapter."
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Thompson-Dwyer joined Hollyoaks in November 2016 as part of the much-loved McQueen family. He left in 2019 before returning two years later, and has been a regular cast member since.
The most recent storyline involving Prince has seen him forge a connection with Vicky Grant, though she put their romance on hold as she pleaded with him to curb his use of steroids.
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include the NHS, Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393. Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov
For more on body dysmorphic disorder, including information and support, please visit NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk), MIND on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk) and The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (www.bddfoundation.org).
Organisations including Anxiety UK, Mind and the NHS can provide help, support and resources on living with and managing anxiety.
