Kerry Katona has been “struggling” with her mental health recently and is seeking medical help for her issues

Writing in her New! magazine column, she said: “I think it’s so important to recognise when you need a break.

“You have to put yourself first – it’s not selfish or shallow. You have to do what’s right.

“I’ve definitely learned the hard way in the past and now I know I’ve got to look after myself.

“I’ve been struggling recently, so I’ve made sure to book in an appointment with my doctor. There’s no shame in admitting you need some help.”

Kerry has been grieving for her beloved aunt Angela, who lost her battle with alcoholism last month, and she’s also found it tough working away from home for the last few weeks.

She said: “It’s been a tough time for the family since we lost my auntie Angela. Ive also been away from home for nearly a month now, so that’s been hard.

“I was up north while I worked in panto and stayed there after she died.

“I’m trying to remember all the happy times we shared.”

A few weeks ago, the former Atomic Kitten singer - who has daughters Molly, 19, and Lilly-Sue, 18, with Brian McFadden, Heidi, 13, and Max, 12, with Mark Croft, and seven-year-old DJ with the late George Kay – revealed she was taking anti-anxiety medication after battling with “intrusive thoughts” about dying and worries about her health.

She said: “I’ve been really suffering with my anxiety recently. I’ve actually gone back on medication for it.

“I had intrusive thoughts about dying – and I even had thoughts about my children dying.

“The anxiety of death is a real thing. Even when I get a headache, I worry I’ve got a brain tumour.

“Everything in my life is amazing and I couldn’t be more grateful, but I think I’m scared of something going wrong.”

Kerry – who is engaged to Ryan Mahoney – thinks her fears may be linked to PTSD issues from her difficult past.

She added: “I feel like I’m suffering a bit with PTSD. Everything I’ve been through in the past has suddenly hit me because my life has been so calm for the first time in a long time.

“I preach for everyone to speak out yet I wasn’t getting help.

“It took a lot of guts for me to ask for help but I knew I had to speak to someone – and I’m so glad I did. My doctor has been amazing.”