Sheridan Smith, 37, suffers with anxiety, and the actress has spoken about her battles with the condition in the past. Speaking to the Radio Times ahead of Cleaning Up airing on TV, she spoke about her anxiety soaring during her appearance on the stage in Funny Girl in 2016. The actress said: “My anxiety levels started getting a lot higher; it was that fear of failing, I guess. “It came out of nowhere and got gradually worse and worse and came to a head.

The anxiety was starting to get out of control, and I was having lots of different diagnoses, and you’re going on different medications

Sheridan Smith

“And Dad dying. It wasn’t that I chose to take the time off, but you know, it was better that I had time with him. No one’s as good as your dad, are they?

“He used to say, ‘No one’s good enough to take you up the aisle, I’ll take you up the red carpet!’ Every event, he was my date. Since he passed away I don’t go to many things any more.”

Sheridan has also spoken about taking anxiety medication during an appearance on Lorraine in November 2018.

She explained: “The anxiety was starting to get out of control, and I was having lots of different diagnoses, and you’re going on different medications.

“The side effects meant I was putting on weight, so it was a really tough time. I’ve finally decided to explain it. Not a lot of people talk about mental health, but it is getting better.

However, Sheridan has said she is “really happy” now, and credits country living for helping her.

Appearing on This Morning earlier this year, she said: “I’ve got four donkeys, seven dogs, I’m a country girl now, I’ve got farmer boots and everything, I’m really happy…

“I feel like I’ve got that normality and sanity I can come to work. I go back and I sit with the dogs and the donkeys and if you’re having a bad day they don’t judge you.

“I feel like I’m finally taking charge,. Otherwise you just wallow in your own self-pity. I’m like ‘Come one. Let’s get moving now. Let’s get forward. Let’s get strong.’”

Sheridan appeared on stage today to sing at the D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, in a performance which was praised by BBC viewers.

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

The NHS lists five symptoms to look out for:

• restlessness

• a sense of dread

• feeling constantly “on edge”

• difficulty concentrating

• irritability

If you, or someone you know, shows these signs, talk to a GP for advice on managing the condition.

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