Samia Longchambon has opened up about suffering from anxiety since she was 11 years old.
The ‘Coronation Street’ actress – who plays Maria Connor in the ITV soap – admitted her feeling of unease is "awful" and "all consuming" at times, but she has praised people for speaking out about their struggles during Mental Health Awareness Week to help remove the stigma.
She wrote on Instagram: "As it’s #mentalhealthawarenessweek I thought I’d post this. I’ve suffered with anxiety since I was 11 (and possibly before that, but that was the first time I saw my doctor about my inability to ‘get a deep breath’). It is something that comes and goes with me, but when it’s there it’s awful and all consuming. I love that the stigma of mental health is finally being broken and people are opening up, talking and realising that you’re not alone.. in fact it is pretty common. I’m not gonna patronise but just wanted to send love out to all people having a daily struggle… #thistooshallpass #gethelp #talk #breathe (sic)"
Samia attached her post to an illustration of the back of a girl’s head below an emotional message which read: "Anxiety isn’t something that goes away; it’s something you learn to control."
This comes after several ‘Hollyoaks’ stars opened up about mental health in a powerful video entitled ‘Lifting The Filter’, which was posted on the ‘Hollyoaks’ Facebook page.
Bob Cryer – who plays Glenn Donovan – said: "I’m delighted to contribute to the ‘Hollyoaks’ #dontfilterfeelings campaign as it supports awareness of mental health issues that hide in plain sight.
"It’s something that is very close to my heart, having been surrounded by it directly or indirectly for most of my life."
The stars, who also included Nicole Barber Lane (Myra McQueen) and Ross Adams (Scott Drinkwell), were initially shown with Snapchat filters on before removing them later in the clip.
Samia Longchambon opens up about anxiety
