The star – who suffers from depression – said there was a danger it could “become fashionable” to claim to have such conditions. She fears some stars just “having a down day” may try and jump on the mental health bandwagon when they do not really have a serious problem. “Real mental illness is very dark and it takes a great deal of strength to ask for help,” said the star, who has played brassy Liz McDonald for 30 years.
“I think we are now definitely chipping away at the stigma. But we have to be careful that mental illness doesn’t become like a Gucci handbag.
“There is a danger that it can become ‘fashionable’.
“Having a down day doesn’t necessarily mean you are suffering from clinical depression.”
Three years ago Beverley, 61, had to take two months off work after breaking down in tears on the Corrie set suddenly fearing she did not measure up to the ITV’s soap’s stunning young female stars.
The actress said she was plunged into a “black hole” because she “felt idiotic” in one of her character’s costumes which she said made her look like a “tasselled lampshade”.
She felt she was “not up to doing this any more”.
Beverley did not speak for four days which she spent in bed with a bottle of water.
Her breakdown came after a drug company axed medication she had been using for two years to combat her depression, claiming it was not profitable enough.
She recovered and returned to the soap after a London medic recommended by her former Corrie co-star Denise Welch prescribed her the right treatment.
Mental health charity Mind – for whom she is an ambassador – said Beverley’s frank revelations about her battle with depression had helped save lives by inspiring others to seek help.
The actress told Best magazine she had considered keeping her condition secret but talking about it had made her realise she was not alone as there are “thousands” of other genuine sufferers.
“In the beginning I didn’t want to talk about my depression,” she said.
“But I also wanted to be upfront and honest.
“At first you think you’re completely alone. But actually there are thousands of people going through exactly what you are. So it’s important to talk about it openly.”
Of how she is now, the star added: “I am doing really well at the moment. I still take medication but I feel much happier. I’ve learned to cope with it and manage my life better.
“I’m a workaholic and I’m not very good at stopping. I have to force myself to stop working.
“I always say to anyone going though depression that you will get better but only if you get the right help.
“I’m a worrier and a perfectionist so I put stress on myself. I’m a people-pleaser and I’m super-sensitive and that combo is not good.
“Once you’re back on the road to recovery I think mindfulness and physical fitness can help.
“But I stress you really do need the medical help too. During the darkest days I just couldn’t do it.”