Frankie Bridge has candidly shared her ongoing struggle with depression, revealing feelings of worthlessness and isolation. The former member of the music group The Saturdays took to her Instagram Stories over the weekend to express her thoughts on mental health and the challenges she faces daily.
In her posts, Bridge described her experience with depression as a battle that often leaves her feeling like “a worthless waste of space.” She shared that she spends significant time motivating herself to engage in activities, such as exercising, which she believes help alleviate her stress. Bridge wrote, “Sometimes this is what depression looks like. Sitting on the sofa all day in your pjs. Then being so fundamentally fed up of your own s***, you finally find the strength to make it to the gym.”
Bridge accompanied her message with a photo of herself on an exercise machine, stating, “Spent a lot of the time psyching myself up and trying to quiet the noise in my head. Today it’s telling me I’m a worthless waste of space.” These reflections underline the reality of mental health struggles, emphasizing that even small achievements, like going to the gym, can feel monumental.
Seeking Support and Finding Strength
This is not the first time Bridge has opened up about her mental health. In March 2022, she expressed similar sentiments, admitting that her depression was “absolutely kicking my a***” and that she felt overwhelmed by her situation. Despite her efforts to follow advice and engage in healthy habits, she noted the recurring nature of her feelings, stating, “I just think everyone around me must just be so bored of it as well.”
Yet, she also highlighted the importance of taking action. After her workouts, Bridge often feels a sense of relief. She remarked, “So there is not much that a little bit of Paramore and a workout can’t fix.” This approach reflects her understanding that while the journey is challenging, engaging in physical activity can lead to better mental health outcomes.
Bridge’s journey with depression has included significant challenges. She previously sought help in a specialist mental health hospital after realizing her inability to cope with everyday life. She recounted her experience on BBC Radio 1, saying, “I’d reached a point where I couldn’t cope with everyday life. I was constantly crying and telling my partner that I didn’t really want to be here anymore.”
Embracing Progress and Awareness
Despite the difficulties she faces, Bridge is proud of her progress in managing her mental health. She emphasized the importance of understanding mental health as a medical issue, which has helped her feel less isolated in her experiences. “When you understand that it’s a medical thing, it makes you feel like you’re not just crazy,” she explained.
Bridge’s openness about her struggles serves as an important reminder of the realities of mental health. By sharing her journey, she not only fosters awareness but also encourages others to seek help and embrace their own paths toward recovery.
Ultimately, Frankie Bridge’s story highlights the ongoing challenges of living with depression, coupled with the strength found in perseverance and self-acceptance. As she continues to navigate her journey, her candidness offers hope to many facing similar battles.
