Hayden Panettiere seeks treatment for postpartum depression

Hayden Panettiere is seeking treatment for postpartum depression. Photo/Getty

New mother Hayden Panettiere has checked into a treatment centre to seek help for postpartum depression.

The Nashville star revealed last month she has been struggling with depression ever since her daughter Kaya was born in December.

Now the 26-year-old actress has turned to professionals for help.

"She (Hayden) is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment centre as she is currently battling postpartum depression. She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time," her representative told People.com.

Ironically, the star portrays a new mum with the condition on hit country music TV drama Nashville and she admitted she could relate to the situation as she went public with her own issues.

"It's something a lot of women experience," she told US morning show Live with Kelly and Michael.

"When (you're told) about postpartum depression you think it's, 'I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child' - I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do. But you don't realise how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on.

"It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

- WENN