Los Angeles, Oct 14 (IANS): Actress Hayden Panettiere has been checked into a treatment facility for postpartum depression.

The "Heroes" actress had revealed she suffered postpartum depression after giving birth to her first child in December 2014, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health problem characterised by a prolonged period of emotional disturbance, occurring at a time of major life change and increased responsibilities in the care of a newborn infant.

"Hayden Panettiere is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression. She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time," her representative says in a statement.

Panettiere spoke about her struggle with postpartum depression during an appearance on an American talk show last month.

At that time, the "Nashville" star said: "When (you're told) about postpartum depression you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child'. I've never, ever had those feelings. It's something, I think, that needs to be talked about, and women need to know that they're not alone."