Frankie Bridge opened up about her ongoing health issues during the most recent episode of “Loose Women.”
The 35-year-old British singer — known for being a member of the S Club Juniors and girl group the Saturdays — addressed her “bad depression and anxiety” while speaking to fellow panelists Judi Love, Charlene White and Nadia Sawalha on Friday.
“I started taking antidepressants when I was about 18 and I still ended up in hospital when I was about 21 with really bad depression and anxiety,” Bridge told the ladies. “It’s one of those things for me where they work to a degree in that I’m able to get out of bed in the morning and I’m able to come and work and be present with my friends and family.”
Sharing she has “treatment-resistant depression,” the star continued, “so actually the antidepressants don’t really work.”
Bridge explained that her body isn’t able to create or keep serotonin, “So even if I’m taking antidepressants it’s almost counterproductive. But because I’ve been on them for so long for now the fear of coming off them is really scary because I’m like would I end up back in hospital again?”
She was hospitalized in 2011 after reaching “rock bottom” with her depression, per Daily Mail.
Bridge went on to say that times have changed now that she started a family. The musician-turned-TV star married former professional footballer Wayne Bridge in 2014. The pair share two children: sons Parker, 11, and Carter, 9.
“I’ve got children now, a husband. I’ve tried a lot of different ones and I’ve tried different combinations of different antidepressants and things like that,” the “What About Us” singer continued, revealing she’s “constantly trying to think of different things to try.”
Her most recent attempt was ketamine.
“So I’ve recently tried ketamine treatment which has been really effective for me but it’s really expensive, it’s not available for everyone,” Bridge said.
“That was a really big deal for me, that was really scary for me. I’ve taken myself off of antidepressants before and the side effects of coming off these things are brutal.”
Bridge told her peers she “spent two weeks in bed, I felt awful. It’s a really good message to say to people that you can obviously give it a go if you feel ready but you have to do it with a doctor because it’s not that easy just to go right, I’ll stop.”
Bridge’s recent comments about her health battle comes as the group discussed radio presenter Roman Kemp telling his followers that he stopped taking his antidepressants. The 31-year-old has suffered from depression since 15.
“Now while I’m still learning about why I suddenly want to cry more and may get snappier at my friends, I’m excited at understanding what the emotional side of me is really like,” Kemp shared after getting off his medication.
“I’m neither for or against taking antidepressants, I’m about what is right for YOU and if it helps you then go for it,” he explained.
Kemp’s candid thoughts have opened the door for several other stars to talk about their mental health struggles, with “Drag Race UK” star Cheryl replying in part, “I’ve tried coming off mine but I’m not just there yet too. I’m working hard but your honesty constantly inspires me.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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