Reece Dinsdale admits body dysmorphia has been the "bane of [his] life".
Reece Dinsdale
The 'Emmerdale' actor has revealed that the mental health condition - which causes people to worry about perceived flaws in their appearance - has had a huge impact on his life.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "In my life I have never been comfortable after things that were said when I was young.
"I would always look at myself as twice the size I am. It has been the bane of my life. But I work with that. I have had some help and my family are fantastic and they support me. I live with it every day. But I also work with it every day."
Reece, 61, has made a concerted effort to engage with his fans about the issue and he finds it helpful to have honest conversations about his condition.
The soap star also thinks it's imperative that people start to recognise the importance of having good mental health.
He explained: "It helps me to share. In this day and age mental health is so important and so many people struggle.
"It's only fair if I share, as it might help others. And people are extraordinarily helpful."
The actor is glad that by sharing his own experiences of body dysmorphia, he's been able to help other people who have gone through similar struggles.
Speaking about his conversations with fans, Reece explained: "Some have even come back to me and said, 'You've helped me so much,' and that makes me happy. We just need to help each other."