A FLINTSHIRE 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 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.

The event runs from 5pm until late.

Contact via her Instagram page @chelle_beaut_glam