'Coronation Street' Kate Ford reveals panic attack struggle

Coronation Street star Kate Ford has opened up over her experience with panic attacks, revealing that she has suffered with anxiety since she was a teenager.

The 34-year-old actress, who plays Weatherfield schemer Tracy Barlow, explained that she has experienced the attacks more frequently in recent years but is now better equipped to deal with them.

"I've suffered from panic attacks since I was 16," Ford told New magazine, "but what's helped me is saying to myself, 'Okay, I'm having a panic attack. It's awful, but go on panic, make my heart race, do your worst'.

"If you fight the panic then it keeps coming back. You have to let it pass. There's also an amazing book by Claire Weekes called Self Help For Your Nerves, which has helped."

Asked what triggers the attacks, she replied: "Usually when I'm very tired or I've had too much alcohol the night before. I get a racing heart, a dry mouth and heart palpitations - just feeling panicky.

"I've had more since I got older and got more responsibility - having a child and paying a mortgage - but I've learned how to cope with them better."

Ford's Coronation Street character will soon return to the cobbles with the news that she is expecting Steve McDonald's baby.

Read the full story in this week's New magazine - out today.

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Watch a recent Coronation Street Tracy scene in the video below: