Kerry KatonaKerry Katona has spoken in the Mirror about her depression and stints in various clinics over the past two year, sparked by her split from ex-husband Brian McFadden.

“It started when me and Brian split up. When I couldn’t stop crying I went into the Priory with a nervous breakdown. That’s when I realised I had depression.”

Kerry has checked herself into the Priory twice and spent six weeks in the Cottonwood clinic in the US last summer.

“I’ve never felt so ashamed or embarrassed that I had to ask for help but it’s the best thing I could have done. I wasn’t well, I was miserable and it was the only thing to do for my little girls.

“Molly and Lilly had no idea, I try to keep what I can away from them. Before I realised I had depression I used to say to people, ‘You’ll be fine - get over it”, but that’s like saying to a cancer victim, ‘Get well’.”

“I often think, why me? But I’m really still dead lucky. It’s not a disaster. I’m not dead. I’m alive and I’ve two little beautiful girls at home.”

“Don’t get me wrong - it does get me down and I’m still on anti-depressants. But I don’t feel sorry for myself. I have my off days, but who doesn’t?”