'Everyone is human': Keeley Hawes reveals why she opened up about her depression

Keeley Hawes has insisted that she is not a "poster girl" for depression, but believes it was important to speak out publicly about her mental health.

The actress, 46, previously mentioned her struggles with the condition in 2019, revealing that "it’s something that never goes away".

Now, speaking to the Mail on Sunday's You magazine, the Bodyguard and Line Of Duty star said: "You can look at people in the public eye and think, 'Everything is great for them. What would they have to feel sad about?’"

"That thing of thinking some people are immune. But everyone is human. I find it hugely helpful when I read other people’s experiences.

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"It’s not that somebody else’s pain and upset makes you feel better, but it does make you feel less alone."

Hawes added: "I’m not the poster girl for it, but it is something that I experienced."

In 2019, she told You magazine: “I think it’s in your DNA if you suffer with it... I have become better equipped at looking after myself. I’ve tried various things over the years.

“Keeping busy helps, being forced to carry on, because inevitably it will pass."

Hawes also revealed that recent improvements within the acting world have been beneficial to workplace wellbeing.

She said: "I’ve witnessed and called out racism, misogyny, sexism, harassment, bullying. No one would have been able to do that 20 years ago for fear of losing their job, or being seen as 'difficult'."

The star noted that it had historically been a "matter of getting through the shoot", but that now people are "encouraged to speak out if they’re unhappy at work" – which she believes will "really help" mental health in the industry.

Hawes has been married to Succession actor Matthew Macfayden since 2004, two years after meeting on the set of Spooks.

Of their relationship, she said: "People often say to me, 'When do you see each other? You’re both always working.'

"It’s infuriating because we see so much of each other. We’re not particularly social. I prefer going to bed than going out."

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