Frankie Bridge's Emotional Admission About Ketamine Therapy Journey
Television personality and former Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge has shared a poignant and tearful reflection on her ongoing mental health treatment, expressing a sense of disappointment about one particular aspect of her therapeutic journey. The Loose Women star, who has been remarkably open about her struggles with anxiety and treatment-resistant depression, recently discussed the "life-changing" ketamine sessions she has undergone for several years.
The Controversial Treatment That Changed Everything
Bridge revealed in October last year that she has been receiving ketamine therapy for "quite a few years," describing it as "the only thing that really helps me long term." The treatment involves controlled administration of ketamine under strict medical supervision. While recreational use of this Class B substance remains illegal in the United Kingdom, it can be legally prescribed for specific mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression where conventional therapies have proven ineffective.
In her latest YouTube vlog, the 37-year-old star disclosed that she is approaching the conclusion of a seven-week course of weekly sessions. "Going forward, I'm going to see how long the benefits last and then I'll do top ups," Bridge explained. "It might be three months, we will see how I go."
A Moment of Raw Honesty and Mixed Emotions
During her emotional update, Bridge became tearful while sharing a recent conversation with her therapist. "I had my follow-up appointment yesterday and I'm not fixed," she confessed. "I need these ket appointments to keep me on track."
The singer-turned-TV presenter revealed the complex emotions surrounding her treatment: "I had a moment yesterday where I was saying to my therapist how I am grateful I can have them but a part of me is disappointed that I still need it because some people, they don't ever need it again."
Overcoming Initial Fear and Finding Relief
Bridge previously admitted to being "terrified" before her initial ketamine session, having never experimented with drugs before. "I've never had that feeling of completely letting go," she reflected. "I think I've realised control is a big thing for me, and that is fully out of control – like I don't even like being really drunk."
She continued: "And so I started it a few years ago and that was quite a big deal for me. It's just the only thing that really helps me long term."
How Ketamine Therapy Works for Bridge
The television personality offered insight into how the treatment affects her psychologically and neurologically. "It's very good at bringing things up that maybe in the past you have pushed down or not acknowledged," she explained. "Or it brings up things you didn't think were bothering you that much, and then you say it and you're like 'Oh wow, OK.'"
Bridge further described the neurological impact: "But it also helps with the neuropathways. So for me it's like I have a wall in between my neuropathways, so they can't meet and attach and with ketamine it builds new ones around that wall."
A Long History of Mental Health Struggles
Frankie Bridge has documented her mental health journey extensively, including in her 2020 book Open: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life. She wrote: "For as long as I can remember, I had suffered from anxiety, nervousness, the big black cloud, stress, low moods, sadness."
The singer also revealed that she was admitted to hospital in 2011 following a mental breakdown triggered by "severe" depression and anxiety when she was just 21 years old. Reflecting on that difficult period, Bridge shared: "You'd think I'd hate it, but it was a nice memory. It was the first time in years I felt really relaxed, I didn't have to hide. I didn't have to pretend to be happy all the time. But it's a young age to have a breakdown."
Through her candid disclosures, Bridge continues to contribute to important conversations about mental health treatment options and the complex emotional landscape of managing chronic conditions.
