Denise Welch credits her partner Lincoln Townley as her ‘greatest supporter’ as she reveals fears of opening up about her mental health problems in new film
The former Loose Women panellist spoke out about her experiences
DENISE Welch has revealed she was worried about how her new husband would deal with her sometimes "frightening" episodes of depression.
The Loose Women star spoke out in a film for Heads Together, a campaign which unites the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, along with Mind and other mental health charities, to change the way society talks about psychological issues.
Denise, 58, has suffered from depression for more than 20 years and said she was concerned about how her partner Lincoln Townley - who she married in 2013 after a 24-year marriage to actor Tim Healy - would react to her illness, but that he soon got rid of her fears.
She said to artist Townley in the film: "When I met you, I'd been living with clinical depression for 21 years.
"As I was falling for you, I wondered how you would deal with my episodes of depression, which can sometimes be quite frightening.
"I remember looking into your eyes when I was poorly, and seeing empathy and understanding.
She continued: "Even in the midst of how I felt, I knew that you were going to be there for me, and that had been something I had been worrying about.
"You make it better just by being there, and just by understanding, and I feel very lucky that I've got you and that you've got my back."
Welch called Townley her "greatest supporter", stating: "My depression can rob me of my communication, but I know that I can always talk to you."
The film is part of a series called #oktosay, which features people talking about the conversations that helped them cope with their mental health problems.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry said in a statement when the film series launched: "Attitudes to mental health are at a tipping point.
"We hope these films show people how simple conversations can change the direction of an entire life."
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220