Frankie Bridge, the 35-year-old singer and former Saturdays star, has spoken candidly about her lifelong battle with anxiety and depression. Describing herself as 'anxious from the womb', she revealed that her mental health struggles began in childhood, with night-time panic attacks and stomach aches, and escalated into depression in her late teens. Initially resistant to therapy due to a British cultural stigma, she later embraced it after realising her anxiety had become overwhelming.
Bridge reflected on how fame has changed with the rise of social media. Starting her career at age 12 with S Club Juniors, she recalls a clear boundary between performers and fans, which no longer exists. She also shared her experience of voluntarily checking into a psychiatric hospital at 21, during the height of her success with The Saturdays. The month-long stay lifted a 'massive weight' as she found solidarity with others facing similar issues, allowing open discussion about medication, trauma and panic attacks without shame.
Discussing her personal life, Bridge regretted her choice of a mirrored dancefloor at her wedding to former footballer Wayne Bridge, which caused problems for guests in short dresses. She emphasised that relationships require adaptability, having been with her husband for 14 years. Motherhood, she said, eased some anxiety but introduced new worries, and she continues to manage her mental health through therapy, medication, exercise and reaching out to others.
Bridge also praised ketamine therapy as a helpful but expensive treatment, and urged anyone struggling to talk to someone, advising listeners not to try to 'fix' others but simply to listen. An ambassador for mental health charity Mind, she described running towards fears as liberating, and finds solace in angry music like Paramore during tough days.
