Denise Welsh has been a staple of Irish and British audiences for decades, known for her work on Coronation Street, Loose Women and most recently, as Celia in the touring production of Calendar Girls: The Musical. Denise sat down with Ray D'Arcy to talk about her career, her family and her experience with depression.

Currently in Dublin with Calendar Girls: The Musical, Denise was quick to praise Irish audiences for their generous reaction to the show.

"They are on their feet before we've left the stage…it's been an amazing reception."

When asked about the much-publicised nudity in the show (it centers around cancer survivors who participate in a nude calendar for charity), Denise is circumspect.

"I've never been one to shy away from getting my kit off…at least I'm getting it paid for it now!"

This comfort with herself stems from the "incredible" changes she's made in the last decade, Denise told Ray. 10 years ago, she was clinically depressed and self-medicating with alcohol and drugs.

"Nobody starts self-medicating because they think it's a good idea…you will do anything to stop the pain…it's a desperation."

Denise had just had her first baby when she noticed she was becoming depressed, she explained. Though going through a major life change, there was nothing in her life to "explain" the cause. She was in a strong relationship, excited about having a child and doing okay financially.

"There was nothing – circumstantially – to pinpoint it. I loved being pregnant."

Denise's mother proved a source of strength during the early days, coaxing her to feed the baby every 4 hours.

"It was like she'd asked me to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I used to pray to whatever or the Universe or something…to help me love my child again."

Since making the decision to stop drinking and using drugs, Denise has been able to "live with" depression, calling the low-grade anti-depressants she takes daily her "insulin". Her son Matty (of the band The 1975) has had his own struggles with his mental health and drug abuse. His decision to put work into his recovery is something Denise feels great pride about, she told Ray.

"He is the happiest and the most well that I have ever seen him."

As for how she is doing now, Denise told Ray that she no longer feels the need to beat herself up about how she is feeling.

"I still get my episodes of depression but I accept that I get them. I am much kinder to myself than I used to be."

Listen back to the whole interview on The Ray D'Arcy Show here.

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