The Saturdays star Frankie Bridge has revealed the extent of her mental health struggles, describing a point during a music video shoot in Iceland where she 'couldn't cope with everyday life'. In 2011, the pop star was filming for the single My Heart Takes Over when those closest to her decided she needed specialist psychiatric care.
Bridge, who has been open about her depression and anxiety, said she was 'constantly crying' and telling her partner, footballer Wayne Bridge, that she 'didn't really want to be here anymore'. After the video shoot, she was admitted to a mental health hospital, where she felt 'terrified but relieved' to hand over responsibility for her wellbeing.
In her new book, Open: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life, Bridge shares her journey and encourages others to seek support. She explains that she still suffers from depression and anxiety but now has better coping mechanisms. 'It's not a self-help book,' she said. 'I'm sharing my story to tell people they're not alone.'
Bridge recalled that her bandmates were unaware of the severity of her condition until they witnessed a panic attack. After leaving hospital, she struggled with the intensity of returning to live TV, suffering a panic attack during a Children In Need performance. She credits her husband for standing by her, despite the challenges of her hospitalisation early in their relationship.
The singer also discussed the difficulties of pregnancy while managing depression, noting that she had no control over her body and experienced water retention and morning sickness. She said that wanting children was a motivation for getting better.
