Beverley Callard's Harrowing Battle with Severe Depression
Former Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard has courageously detailed the most challenging period of her life following a devastating mental health diagnosis. The 69-year-old star, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Liz McDonald on the long-running soap opera for over three decades, revealed in a frank interview that she was diagnosed with severe clinical depression in 2010.
A Period More Difficult Than Cancer
Beverley, who is currently captivating audiences on I'm A Celebrity South Africa, confessed that this harrowing chapter surpassed even her battle with cervical cancer as the most difficult time she has ever endured. Speaking on The Hard Shoulder podcast, she shared intimate details of her personal struggle, stating: "In 2010 I was diagnosed with very severe clinical depression. I was taken into hospital, I was hospitalised for three months, they tried various medications, they didn't work and I had to undergo ECT - electro convulsive therapy – I had to have 12 sessions of that."
She continued with emotional candour: "And I can honestly say it was the worst time of my life. I've never ever known anything like it. Years and years ago I had cervical cancer, nothing is as bad as clinical depression, because I was in a black hole and I didn't know why it had happened to me."
The Mystery of Chemical Imbalance
What made the ordeal particularly perplexing for the television personality was that her depression hadn't been triggered by any specific life event. Instead, it resulted from a chemical imbalance in her brain. Beverley elaborated: "Mine wasn't triggered by an event or something that had happened in my life, it was just a chemical imbalance in my brain."
Despite the profound challenges she faced, Beverley offered words of hope and encouragement to others struggling with mental health issues. She revealed she has enjoyed sustained wellness for a considerable period and urged those facing difficulties to seek appropriate professional support.
"But the one thing I must say to anyone who is struggling with any kind of mental health problem is with the right help, which is had, but with the right help you can get well and I've been well for a long time now," she reassured.
Clarifying Recent Health Speculation
The actress has previously addressed various health matters, recently responding to speculation surrounding her participation in ITV's I'm A Celebrity after disclosing in January that she'd received an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Taking to Instagram on April 5 to ease fans' concerns, she clarified the timing of the programme's filming: "I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at 9pm, Easter Monday, I'm A Celebrity...South Africa begins. And I know everybody thinks I'm suddenly going away to South Africa. I'm not. We did film it a little while ago."
She encouraged viewers to watch the show, describing it as "frightening, wonderful, horrifying, funny - it was terrifying, exhilarating, everything." Beverley added: "But believe me, it's great television, honestly, so I hope you enjoy it."
Future Possibilities and Coronation Street
Beyond her mental health discussions, Beverley has also commented on the possibility of reprising her beloved Coronation Street role. She reflected fondly on her extensive tenure with the iconic soap opera and remained open to future opportunities, insisting she would "never say never."
Speaking to the Daily Record, she explained: "I can't now because I'm filming something else but I think you should never say never. I loved my time there, you don't stay in something for 32 years if you didn't love it, but I think the workload and the way it's filmed, certainly when you're in a big storyline, you're there all day, every day so I don't think I'd want that again to that extent."
Beverley acknowledged the show's talented writers and actors but noted: "I think they have great writers on the show and great actors but I just felt the stories were not there for Liz anymore but I'd never say never."
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
