Frankie Bridge candidly opened up on her ongoing health battle during an episode of Loose Women on Friday.
The singer from The Saturdays, aged 35, has always been transparent about her battles with depression, which led to her hospitalization in 2011 when she hit ‘rock bottom’.
During a panel appearance with Judi Love, Charlene White, and Nadia Sawalha, she joined the discussion about Roman Kemp’s decision to stop taking antidepressants after 16 years.
Referring to her own journey, Frankie shared, ‘I began taking antidepressants at 18, yet at around 21, I still found myself in the hospital due to severe depression and anxiety.
‘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.’
She explained that she has ‘treatment-resistant depression so actually the antidepressants don’t really work’.
The singer added: ‘I’ve had like tests done and my body isn’t able to create seratonin or to keep it.
‘So even if I’m taking antidepressants it’s almost counter productive. 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?
‘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.
‘So now I’m constantly trying to think of different things to try 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.’
Frankie admitted: ‘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.
‘I 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.’
It comes after radio presenter Roman, 31, who has had depression since the age of 15, took to Instagram on Thursday to share an update on his mental health with fans.
Roman said that he had stopped taking antidepressants four months prior and now that they were out of his system, he was looking forward to understanding his true emotions.
‘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,’ he said.
Roman has been candid about his struggle with his mental health and has campaigned tirelessly following the sudden death of his friend, radio producer Joe Lyons, who took his own life.
Sharing a selfie, Roman wrote: ‘It’s now been four months since I stopped taking anti-depressants and it’s safe to say they’re out of my system.
‘Something I have taken since I was 15 years old.’
He added: ‘I’m neither for or against taking anti-depressants, I’m about what is right for YOU and if it helps you then go for it.
‘They helped me through a long period of mental struggle in my life but I’m now ready to move on. Only posting in case anyone was ever worried about starting/stopping ❤️.’
Roman’s famous friends were quick to offer words of support, or in some cases ask him for advice on their on struggles.
Professor Green said: ‘Would love to bend your ear at some point bro, i started an ssri for my ocd recently and also begun medicating newly diagnosed combined adhd… not sure where i sit with it all as always been anti meds – but realised i’d been self medicating + dopamine seeking the whole time – sending love. huge step after all that time ❤️.’
Meanwhile Drag Race UK queen Cheryl said: ‘I’ve tried coming off mine but I’m not just there yet to. I’m working hard but you’re honesty constantly inspires me ❤️.’
‘Oh mate well done, this is such a big deal. Start of a new era. So proud of you ❤️,’ Sian Welby added.
Lizzie Cundy wrote: ‘Thank you for such honesty and sharing as it helps so many ❤️.’
‘Brilliant,brilliant post. ❤️❤️,’ said Hannah Waddingham, while Alison Hammond added: ‘Love you.’
Maya Jama and Davina McCall also showed their support as they commented love hearts.
Back in March, Roman thanked his listeners for ‘saving his life’ during his battle with depression as he hosted his final show on Capital Breakfast.
He credited the show and its listeners for getting him through some of his darkest days – ahead of his departure from the channel.
During his last show, Roman delivered a touching speech as he said how grateful he was to them for bringing ‘light and laughter into his life’ during his slot on the radio.
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