EastEnders star Danny-Boy Hatchard bravely opened up about attempting suicide when he was just 19.
The actor, 30, spoke about the harrowing moment in his life as a student who struggled socially and "didn't want to be alive anymore."
The former Lee Carter star told his followers on Friday, sharing a post on Twitter after defending drama school boss Chris Hocking - who resigned after an investigation found dance classes were "overly sexualised."
Danny-Boy attended the Arts Ed school in London, while Chris was the principal.
He wrote on the social media platform: "The beginning of my first year at Arts was very difficult. I remember checking the easiest and most painless ways I could take my life.
"I felt so socially out of my depth that I didn't want to be alive anymore.
"One Friday night in particular I made preparations to make a huge mistake, before realising that passing my onto my family wasn't the answer. It never is..."
The actor, who is currently starring in BBC1's Ridley Road, then went on to say his former principal helped him by paying for a counselor for him.
He added: "He told me I was going to be alright and offered to pay for me to see a counselor who went onto completely change my life."
Danny-Boy's character Lee left the soap in 2017.
Last year during the height of the pandemic, he admitted he was worried about money as the coronavirus crippled the entertainment industry.
Danny-Boy posted on social media: "For all you Actors/Performers out there who've suffered bad news these past few days.
"I've felt it. I too am worried about finances.
"Keep that chin up, those shoulders back, and let's take care of one another.
"This too shall pass. We will be stronger for it."
"Much love, D," he signed the message alongside a red love heart emoji.
At the time, episodes of the soap were reduced due to Covid.
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed that the amount of episodes broadcast each week would be reduced from four to two in order to keep audiences enjoying the BBC soap for as long as possible.
The statement read: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest government update.
"We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.
"We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
