Keyes suffering "crippling" depression

Best-selling author Marian Keyes has been struck down with a severe bout of depression.

The Irish writer announced the news in an online message to fans, explaining that she is prone to the illness but is now suffering worse than ever before.

Addressing supporters in her latest newsletter, which was headlined 'Laid Low', Keyes commented: "I am very sorry but this is going to be a very short piece because I am laid low with crippling depression. Regular readers know that I've been prone to depression on and off over the years, but this is in a totally different league. This is much worse.

"All I will say is that I'm aware that these are terrible times and that there are people out there who have been so ruined by the current economic climate that they've lost the roof over their heads and every day is a battle for basic survival and I wish I could take their pain away. But although I'm blessed enough to have a roof over my head, I still feel like I'm living in hell."

Keyes, 46, went on to reveal that she was unable to eat, sleep, write, read or speak and feared her struggle would "never end".

She then added: "I know lots of people don't believe it, but depression is an illness, but unlike say, a broken leg, you don't know when it'll get better. So, amigos, I'm sorry to abandon you for the moment. Full service will be restored at some stage, I hope."

Keyes, who is known for her work in the 'chick lit' genre, released her most recent novel The Brightest Star In The Sky in October.