The star revealed last month (Sep15) she has been struggling with severe baby blues since becoming a first-time mum following the birth of her daughter Kaya in December (14), and earlier this week (13Oct15) she checked herself into a treatment centre to seek professional help for her condition.

Ironically, the star portrays a new mum battling postpartum depression on the country music TV drama, and now she has stepped away from the series temporarily to focus on her recovery, according to the New York Post. Producers for the show will reportedly work around her absence.

Speaking about her struggles with the condition recently, the actress said, "It's something a lot of women experience. 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. Some women do.

"But you don't realise how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

Representatives for Panettiere and the show have yet to comment on the news.