WITH support from a former Emmerdale star, a make-up artist will bravely open up for the first time about her battle with depression.

After being diagnosed last Christmas with severe depression, Michelle Palmer, 33, will now tell her story to show "there is light at the end of the tunnel" at a fundraiser for the Vale of Clwyd Mind near Prestatyn on Saturday, October 12.

In a show of solidarity with Miss Palmer, of Flint, Roxanne Pallet - best known as Jo Sugden on the ITV soap - will contribute a specially recorded video to the event at the Llinegar Inn in Ffynnongroyw.

Miss Palmer, a specialist in bridal make-up, said: "I've lived with depression all my life, particularly from when I was eight years old and I found out I was adopted. I was living with all these emotions blocked up inside me.

"Last Christmas it got to the point that I was suicidal, and tried to take my own life. Behind smiling faces you never know what someone is going through.

"I'm definitely still healing, but I have started to notice so many people around me suffering. I don't want people to go through this alone, particularly when there is so much professional help and support out there. A problem shared is a problem half solved and, if anything, we could all be a little bit kinder.

"I want people to actually know they are allowed to ask for help, before they get to the point where they feel the need to cry out for it."

After being admitted to the Heddfan psychiatric unit at Wrexham Maelor, Miss Palmer - who also works at the Llinegar Inn - has received regular counselling at the Seabank surgery in Prestatyn, a three week programme of home treatment on the NHS, and has also been prescribed a course of anti-depressants.

As well as professional support, Miss Palmer also attributes her improving mental health to the friendship she has built up over Instagram with Miss Pallet.

While remaining largely out of the public eye this year, the actor has talked openly about her own experiences with depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the 'punchgate' drama on 2018's Celebrity Big Brother involving an incident with former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas.

Miss Palmer added: "When she was on Big Brother, I wanted to reach out because I saw all the hate she was getting. I told her that I hoped she was ok, that I was here if she needed to talk. From there we started helping each other, sending positive quotes and supportive messages.

"We've not met in person yet, but we're planning to when she gets back from the USA."

Denbighshire Free Press:

Roxanne Pallett spoke to Channel 5's on Jeremy Vine talking about life after Celebrity Big Brother earlier this month. Picture: Channel 5/PA Wire

Speaking to The Journal, Miss Pallett said: "Chelle was one of the first people to reach out to me when I was navigating my way through an extremely tough time which was played out as entertainment in the media.

"She was a stranger, yet she offered friendship and support through kind messages on social media that eventually reached me.

"At that time, to experience compassion in a sea of ignorance and abuse felt like some sunshine on a rainy day. I was so grateful to her and equally returned my support and encouragement with little quotes when so saw her struggle.

"It was my absolute pleasure to help her with her wonderful charity efforts in fundraising for the mental health charity Mind which supports so many people with emotional and mental injuries.

"Chelle has given me faith that there are genuine kind people out there who see beyond an image and in my case a headline. If more people could use social media in a positive manner as Chelle did, I believe we would all begin to move forward.”

In addition to both testimonies, Miss Palmer is inviting some of her friends who also suffer with depression to speak, as well as a presentation from her personal counsellor.

The free event will raise money via donations for attractions such as pony rides, a bouncy castle, food and a raffle for prizes including a free wedding makeup session for one bride and four bridesmaids and a signed Emmerdale script from the actor. There will also be children's entertainment and a DJ throughout the day.

The event runs from 5pm until late.

For more information on the event, contact Miss Palmer via her Instagram page @chelle_beaut_glam.