Hayden Panettiere discussed mental health weeks before death

Hayden Panettiere spoke about her mental health journey and hopes of making a positive difference in the world weeks before her death at the age of 36.

The Nashville actress died on Sunday, August 16, after recently completing a press tour for her memoir, This is Me: A Reckoning.

In the book, Panettiere discussed her experiences with alcoholism, depression and abusive relationships.

During one of her final media appearances with Momé, Panettiere provided an update on her mental health and described herself as continuing to work through her experiences.

"I'm a work in progress — we all are. I take each day as it comes. I'm doing the work, and I'm doing my best," the actress said.

She also offered encouragement to fans experiencing difficult periods in their lives.

"You're stronger than you know. And you're going to be just fine."

Weeks earlier, Panettiere discussed the importance of speaking openly about mental health during a book signing. She recalled people from within and outside the entertainment industry telling her that her openness had encouraged them to seek help.

"So many people have have come up to me within the industry and outside of the industry and shared their stories with me and said, 'Because you've talked about your mental health, it gave me the courage to be honest about mine and get myself help and you saved my life,'" she said.

Panettiere then explained why those experiences had strengthened her commitment to advocacy.

"I was like, This is worth it. I can hopefully leave the world a better place than I found it," she added.

Her death was announced by her father, Alan Panettiere, who said in a statement, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.

"She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen."