Hayden Panettiere checks into facility for postnatal depression

Former Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has checked into a treatment facility for postnatal depression(PND).

The news came just weeks after revealing that she was suffering from the condition to US Weekly. She said after the birth of her first child, 'I suffered a bit of postpartum depression. You're not alone or crazy, ladies!'

On Tuesday 14 October 2015, a spokesperson for the actress released the following statement: 'Hayden Panettiere is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression. She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time.'

The 26-year-old actress, who welcomed her first child with her heavyweight boxing champion fiance, Wladimir Klitschko, in December, has been struggling with the condition since the birth of their daughter, who they named Kaya.

Hayden and her fiancé Wladimir welcomed their first child in December 2014. The star has since reveled her struggle with postnatal depression.

Hayden isn't the only celebrity to battle postnatal depression. Many women in the spotlight, including Katie Price, Elle McPherson and Stacey Solomon, have been honest and open about their experiences with the condition.

By coincidence, Hayden's on-screen character in her latest show, Nashville, also suffers with PND. Speaking about the role on chat show Live! With Kelly And Michael, she explained how she 'related' to her character: 'It's something a lot of women experience. When [you are told] about postpartum depression, you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child; I want to injure or hurt my child.'

'I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do, but you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on.'

'It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal.'

'It's not known how long Hayden will spend at the facility, but it's clear she'll have the love of her friends, family and the public on her side. Let's hope she has a speedy recovery and can enjoy more precious moments with her baby daughter again soon.

Did you suffer with postnatal depression? How did you cope? Let us know by leaving a comment below.