Singer opens up about crippling health battle: ‘Things are brutal’
Frankie Bridges opened up about her ongoing health issues on the most recent episode of “Loose Women.”
The 35-year-old British singer – best known as a member of S Club Juniors and girl group The Saturdays – addressed her “bad depression and anxiety” while speaking to fellow panellists Judy Love, Charlene White and Nadia Sawalha on Friday.
“I started taking antidepressants when I was about 18 and was hospitalized with really bad depression and anxiety when I was 21,” Bridges told the women. “It’s one of those things for me where they work to a degree that I can get out of bed in the morning and I can come to work and be present with my friends and family.”
Sharing that she has “medication-resistant depression,” the star continued, “so antidepressants don’t really work.”
Bridges explains that his body is not able to make or keep serotonin, “so if I take antidepressants, it’s almost counter-productive. But since I’ve been with them for so long, the fear of coming off them is really scary because will I end up going back to the hospital?”
According to the Daily Mail, she was hospitalized in 2011 after reaching “rock bottom” in her depression.
Setu also said that times have changed now that he has started a family. The musician-turned-TV star married former professional footballer Wayne Bridge in 2014 The couple has two children: sons Parker, 11, and Carter, 9
“I have children now, a husband. I’ve tried so many things and I’ve tried different combinations of different antidepressants and things like that,” the “What About Us” singer continued, revealing that she’s “constantly trying to think of different things to try.”
His most recent attempt was ketamine.
“So I recently tried ketamine treatment which has been really effective for me but it’s really expensive, it’s not available to everyone,” Bridges said.
“It was a really big deal for me, it was really scary for me. I’ve come off antidepressants before and the side effects of coming off these things are brutal.”
Bridges told her peers that she “spent two weeks in bed, I felt horrible. It’s a really good message to tell people that if you feel ready, you can obviously go for it, but you have to do it with a doctor because it’s so easy to go right. No, I’ll stop.”
Bridges’ latest comments about his health battle came as the group discussed radio host Roman Kemp telling his followers that he had stopped taking his antidepressants. The 31-year-old has been suffering from depression since the age of 15.
“While I’m still learning why I suddenly want to cry more and be more snarky to my friends, I’m excited to realize what my emotional side is really like,” Kemp said after going off her medication. shared
“I’m not for or against taking anti-depressants, I’m all about what’s right for you and if it helps you, go for it,” she explained.
Kemp’s candid thoughts have opened the door for many other stars to talk about their mental health struggles, with “Drag Race UK” star Cheryl replying in part, “I’ve tried to come out of mine but I’m not there yet. I’m working hard but your honesty Inspires me constantly.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis and lives 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.