**Frankie Bridge Discusses Her Persistent Struggle with Depression and Anxiety on "Loose Women"**

British singer and television personality Frankie Bridge shared personal insights into her ongoing battle with mental health issues during a recent episode of "Loose Women." The 35-year-old, famed for her roles in S Club Juniors and the girl group The Saturdays, opened up to fellow panelists Judi Love, Charlene White, and Nadia Sawalha about her severe depression and anxiety.

Bridge, who began taking antidepressants at 18, revealed that despite her medication, she was hospitalized at 21 due to an intense bout of depression and anxiety. "It's one of those things for me where they work to a degree," she said, explaining that the medication helps her manage daily activities. However, she stated that she suffers from "treatment-resistant depression," meaning that her antidepressants are not fully effective.

The singer went on to explain that her body struggles to produce or retain serotonin, making the antidepressants counterproductive. This brings the additional fear of what might happen if she stops taking them. Bridge was hospitalized in 2011 when she hit "rock bottom" with her mental health issues.

Her life has seen changes since then; she married former professional footballer Wayne Bridge in 2014 and they have two children together, Parker, 11, and Carter, 9. Despite her stable family life, she continues to search for effective treatments, including various combinations of antidepressants and more recently, ketamine therapy, which she found beneficial but noted it is expensive and not widely accessible.

Bridge highlighted the significant challenges she faced attempting to discontinue antidepressants. "The side effects of coming off these things are brutal," she said, describing how she spent two weeks bedridden and feeling terrible. She strongly advised others to consult with a doctor before making any changes to their medication regimen.

Her comments were prompted by discussions on the show regarding radio presenter Roman Kemp, who recently announced on social media that he had stopped taking his antidepressants. Kemp, who has dealt with depression since he was 15, shared his personal experiences and outlook, which has encouraged other celebrities, such as “Drag Race UK” star Cheryl, to share their own mental health journeys.

Frankie Bridge's candid revelations contribute to a broader conversation about mental health, underscoring the importance of seeking personalized treatment and professional support.