ITV Coronation Street's Helen Flanagan flooded with support after 'crippling' health update
Helen Flanagan was flooded with support as she opened up on her battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The soap star shot to stardom with her portrayal of Rosie Webster on Coronation Street.
The 34-year-old played the character across multiple stints from 2000 - 2018. Helen regularly keeps fans updated with her life away from the screen on Instagram.
The mum-of-three has taken to the social media platform today to issue a candid post to detail her struggle with OCD. On the NHS website, OCD is described as a "mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours".
Helen has revealed she suffered with the condition after she gave birth to her eldest child Matilda, who is now aged nine. She said: "I had crippling OCD after I had Matilda.
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She added: "It would tell me that I was going to chuck her over the stairs balcony when she was tiny, or that I was going to harm my beautiful precious baby that I loved beyond words. My OCD would tell me that I’d cheated on the father of my kids when I adored him and never did and I’d feel so upset when non of it was real it was just my OCD and when he would ask me what was wrong I just couldn’t tell him."
Helen spoke about the impact the disorder has on her well-being during an episode of the Life Of Bryony podcast. She added: "When I had Charlie my OCD told me that Charlie wasn’t my baby that he was swapped at the hospital and when I was breastfeeding him I felt so heartbroken as I missed my baby that I carried for 9 months, which was of course Charlie, but when you’re ill with your OCD you feel too ashamed to tell anyone as you’re worried that people will think you’re mad or bad. I used to think my baby would be taken off me.
Helen explained how opening up on the condition has helped. She added: "Talking openly with @bryonygordon about my OCD was so empowering and it was a massive f**k you to my OCD as it doesn’t scare me anymore. I know what it is so I know how to treat it.
"It’s a hug to little Helen that used to chat to her mum in the bath and to 21 year old Helen that was like wtf and Helen with bad post natal who thought her babies might be better off without their mummy.
"Your a little bit mad and that's fine because your definitely not bad. Sending love to anyone else that struggles with OCD you are not on your own and you have my heart."
Helen was flooded with messages of support after the update. Jazz said: "Thank you for speaking out about this, it’s so important to raise awareness of how debilitating OCD can me. You’re an amazing mum and the kids are so lucky to have you."
Christine posted: "Your honesty will help so many" Victoria commented: "Bless you." Amy commented: "You are so brave for talking about this sending lots of love!"