Alison Brie opens up about her battle with depression and body dysmorphia

Alison Brie has opened up about the mental health battle she's been working through for many years.

In an interview with Women's Health, the Glow actress, 37, disclosed that body dysmorphia and depression were something she would "be working through [her] whole life."

"I go back to red carpet photos where I thought I looked so horrible, and there are some where I now think, God, I looked beautiful. And I'll remember: An hour before that I was in tears; I thought I was so disgusting," she explained.

"I think it's something I'll probably be working through my whole life. And depression too."

Brie admitted she a family history of mental health problems, noting her maternal grandmother had suffered with schizophrenia.

"The rest of my family then dealt with the trickle-down effects of trauma," Brie told Women's Health. "And that meant depression more than anything."

The actress explained how fitness had become a saving grace that helped her combat personal demons.

"When I've been in a really serious depression, I'll drag myself to a yoga class — even if I don't want to be around people — tears streaming down my face. But, get in class, get out of your head, get blood flowing. It ends up helping eventually," she said.

Brie married fellow actor Dave Franco in 2017, and said she is constantly educating him about mental health.

"It's been funny talking to him about it. He said, 'Before I knew you, I'm not sure I believed body dysmorphia was a real thing. It's so interesting to me what you see — and what I'm seeing when I'm looking at you — and the frank discussions we have about it,'" Brie said.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.