In a profoundly moving and candid interview, Frankie Bridge has laid bare the brutal reality of her ongoing battle with depression, revealing the depths of despair that led to multiple hospitalisations and left her feeling 'completely worthless'.
The 35-year-old singer and television personality, known for her bubbly on-screen presence, has detailed a lifelong struggle with her mental health, which culminated in a severe breakdown in 2012 after the immense pressure of her pop career with The Saturdays became too much to bear.
A Lifelong Struggle With Mental Health
Frankie's journey hasn't been a short one. She bravely disclosed that she was first officially diagnosed with depression at the tender age of just 21, though she acknowledges the signs were there much earlier. 'I was a really anxious child,' she confessed, tracing the roots of her condition back to her childhood.
Her first crippling episode struck at the height of her fame, forcing her to be hospitalised. She described the feeling as overwhelming, saying, 'I felt like I was in a hole that I was never going to get out of. I felt completely worthless.'
The Road to Management, Not a Cure
Now, over a decade later, Frankie speaks with the hard-won wisdom of someone who has learned to manage a chronic condition. She is open about her use of antidepressants and ongoing therapy, tools she credits with keeping her stable.
'I don't think you're ever cured of depression,' she stated with sobering honesty. 'It's always there and you have to find a way of managing it.' For Frankie, this management includes a strict routine of early nights, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—small sacrifices for a stable mind.
Her powerful message is one of hope and resilience, aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. By sharing her story, Frankie Bridge continues to be a vital voice for millions, proving that even in the darkest times, it is possible to find a way through.
