Actor Brenda Fricker says she battled with depression

Oscar-winning actor Brenda Fricker (66) has said she battled with depression and had tried to take her own life 32 times.

Oscar-winning actor Brenda Fricker (66) has said she battled with depression and had tried to take her own life 32 times.

The actor told TV3’s Midday programme yesterday that she battled with depression for 30 years, at a time when it was regarded as a sign of madness.

Speaking during a discussion about assisted suicide, Fricker said people had the right to “get off the bus” even if they were fully healthy in mind and body.

Ms Fricker was speaking during a discussion about assisted suicide prompted by a dying British woman who took her own life this week in the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.