Martine McCutcheon has been struck down with a debilitating symptom of perimenopause as she's revealed her secret battle with crippling anxiety.
The Love Actually actor, 46, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share that her symptoms felt so debilitating that it left her unable to drive and forced to her stay at home.
Amid her suffering, Martine posted a gorgeous photo of herself laying on her bed after feeling unable to drive.
Alongside the glamorous snap, she explained her situation, admitting that her crippling anxiety could be 'debilitating' some days.
Perimenopause symptoms… Such Fun. I have the hot flushes, the insomnia, the brain fog and fatigue. The list goes on doesn’t it," she penned. "And to be honest, having lived with M.E/CFS and fibro since my 20’s, those symptoms seem to be something I can cope with…touch wood."
Martine went on: "However, what I’ve personally not heard mentioned as much, is the crippling anxiety you can get with the peri menopause. A kind of irrational anxiety that makes no sense whatsoever.
"You feel like you’ve lost your own damn mind. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t seem to hear about this side of it as much."
While opening up about her own battle, Martine hoped that she could bring comfort to other women who also find themselves in her position.
The much-loved actress went on: "I wanted to share this, just in case any of you out there feel the same and feel scared or worried - You aren’t alone. I’m pleased to report after going through a phase of not even feeling confident enough to drive (That’s SO not me!) that I’m now feeling much better and I’m working my way back to my own normality."
It comes after the former EastEnders actress enjoyed a luxury family holiday to Dubai.
The star enjoyed some winter sun in the UAE with her son Rafferty and husband Jack.
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