Frankie Bridge has shared a candid confession with her fans. As she opened up, she admitted “falling apart isn’t an option”, and people were quick to offer support
Frankie Bridge has made a candid confession about her mental health as she shared a heartfelt message of support for those struggling through difficult times. The Loose Women panellist admitted she had taken a step back from discussing mental health in recent years as she continues to navigate her own struggles.
But this World Mental Health Day, the 37-year-old took to Instagram to share what she has learnt over the years, alongside a reassuring message for fans who may be finding life difficult. Frankie has been in the public eye for decades, having started her career at just 12 years old as a member of pop group S Club 8 before going on to find further success with girl group The Saturdays.
After the group disbanded in 2014, Frankie pursued a solo music career and went on to appear on several television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Cannonball.
In 2021, she became a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. Sharing her thoughts on World Mental Health Day, Frankie admitted she often struggles to know what to say when discussing the subject.
‘People are so good at hiding things’
She wrote: “Every year I never really know what to say on World Mental Health Day. I find it harder and harder to give it a positive spin or offer tips to help yourself or others. I’ve taken a slight step back.
“Mostly it’s because I know the waiting lists are long and the help isn’t always there. But also because I’m still figuring out exactly what works for me. After all these years, I still get frustrated by it.”
Frankie went on to explain that there is no “one size fits all” approach to mental health, as everyone has different needs and responds to different forms of support.
She added: “People are so good at hiding things, especially feelings. I know that it’s probably the thing I’ve mastered the best in my life.
“If you have any sort of mental health issue, life goes on, you still need to show up for people, and bills still need paying. Falling apart just isn’t really an option.
“So we put on our smile and act the way “normal” people are supposed to act. Sometimes it’s the only way through.”
However, Frankie stressed the importance of opening up to someone about the thoughts racing around your head, reassuring her followers that they are not alone, even when it feels that way.
She said: “What I will say is this: if you’re suffering, talk. Your brain will convince you that you’re alone, but you’re not. And if you think someone is suffering, don’t try to “fix” it. You can’t. Just listen and be there.
“We all know the practical things that help, but they’re often the hardest things to do. A lot of the time, just being here is the goal of the day. And that’s okay.”
Your response
Frankie’s heartfelt post prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with many thanking her for speaking openly about the realities of living with mental health struggles.
One user said: “Paragraph four – hits hard.” Another wrote: “It’s been over a decade since you told me to always talk and I still carry that with me and am so grateful for everything.”
A third added: “Well, given that you didn’t know what to say, you said it so well. I said to my mum yesterday and a friend today, the bills still need paying. And I too have become very good at pretending I’m fine.
“Every time I see something you’ve shared saying you are struggling it reminds me I’m normal, so thank you for continuing to share.”
In the past, Frankie has spoken candidly about her mental health, including experiencing anxiety and depression. If you ever feel you need support with mental health, contact your GP for further advice.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
