Hayden Panettiere seeks help for "unhealthy coping mechanisms".

Actress and mother-of-one Hayden Panettiere has announced she is returning to a treatment facility in the hope of recovering from postpartum depression.

The 26-year-old Nashville star, who gave birth to her daughter Kaya 17 months ago previously sought treatment around seven months ago, and has spoken openly of her battle in the hope of de-stigmatising the isolating condition.

On Friday Panettierre wrote on Twitter, “The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life. Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on health and life. Wish me luck!”

Panettiere originally sought treatment at the same time her Nashville character was struggling with her own demons. The show has just announced that it will not be continuing on after this season.

Panettiere’s fiancee, Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko will care for their daughter while she seeks help.

Panettiere has been open about her struggle with postnatal depression since the birth of her first daughter. Source: Getty.

Speaking with People Magazine in January this year, Panettiere said, "Why should I be ashamed or hide when it costs so much? It costs me so much to hide. It costs you so much to lie.

I'm 26. I'm a mom. I don't need to be afraid of what people are going to think."

According to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) CEO Belinda Horton, "postnatal depression and anxiety (perinatal depression) is a quiet, under-reported epidemic in Australia with figures indicating over 47,000 women and 29,000 men are suffering."

But from Brooke Shields, who wrote a book on her postpartum depression, to Britney Spears and Courteney Cox, the conversation about the condition is slowly advancing.

If you need to speak with someone or would like to find out more about post natal depression and anxiety, contact PANDA here or phone 1300 726 306.