Erin McGregor has opened up on suffering panic attacks and "grieving" after her son Harry was diagnosed with sensory issues.
The panto star and sister of UFC star Conor explained that she hasn't spoken about his condition on TV before and hasn't said the name of what he has been diagnosed with.
She shared that it was a lonely and dark time but her family enjoyed the panto last year as they stayed at brother's house, reports RSVP Live.
Erin told Muireann O'Connell and Tommy Bowe on Ireland AM: "Last year it was online and that was much better for me because I don't actually think I've said it on TV because Harry would have a lot of sensory issues.
"The first two years that Harry came to see me, he wasn't really able to cope in the theatre so Terry [her partner] kept having to go outside.
"It was a little bit difficult for us but last year was a very special panto for me online because I got to be there in the comfort of my brother's home and I got to watch it with the kids.
"Harry was nice and safe and calm. He loved it."
She said she's only now coming out of the "pure grief" stage and "shock" of Harry's diagnosis.
"I've never actually said what it was out loud, for the word that it is. But I have started opening a little bit more on Instagram."
Erin started to tear up as she said: "It was a very lonely time, it was a very dark time when you're stuck in grief and you don't really know what's happening around you.
"Sorry, I wasn't expecting to talk about all of that. For me to open up on Instagram, it was a place for people to know that they weren't alone in their grief."
She added: "Or they weren't alone on issues and maybe to make other people aware at home that there are parents out there that do find things a little bit different and difficult around Christmas, around pantos.
"Things are a little bit different in my family life so that's why I started opening up. You don't have to be scared to talk about things that are hurting."
She shared that people told her she was grieving as she experienced different mental and physical symptoms.
"Panic attacks were happening quite a lot and I think it can be grief for a life you thought you might had and then you don't have."
