Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has checked into a rehabilitation centre to seek help as she battles postpartum depression.
The 26-year-old has been battling postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter Kaya in December 2014.
On Tuesday (13Oct15) it was revealed that Hayden has taken the next step in her struggle and is seeking professional help at a treatment facility.
“Hayden Panettiere is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment centre as she is currently battling postpartum depression,” a representative for the actress told Us Weekly in a statement. “She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time.”
Kaya is the first child for Hayden and fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. The Nashville actress recently opened up about how she’s been struggling with some of her emotions following her daughter’s birth.
During an interview on Live! With Kelly and Michael last month (Sept 15), Hayden said that while she hasn’t experienced the extreme levels of depression some women do after giving birth, she has found it difficult at times.
"I can very much relate,” she confessed. “It's something a lot of women experience. When you’re 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 realise 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."
In addition, Hayden’s character on hit US TV show Nashville is also battling postpartum depression as she struggles to cope with her life changing after the birth of her daughter.
News of Hayden’s rehab stay comes after the actress took to Instagram on Saturday (10Oct15) to reveal her joy at beginning to regain her pre-pregnancy figure.
Alongside a picture in which she is seen wearing a pair of figure-hugging tight black trousers, Hayden wrote: “Feeling like I'm #finally coming back in to my own body! mother #daughter #blessing #wellworthit. (sic)”