Frankie Bridge has shared a deeply personal health update, revealing she has been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 37—a moment she says has brought both relief and a new understanding of her long battle with anxiety and depression.
The former The Saturdays singer and Loose Women panellist admitted she believes the diagnosis is the “last missing piece” after years of struggling with her mental health.
The Conversation That Changed Everything
Frankie explained that it was fellow Loose Women star Denise Welch who first encouraged her to seek an assessment.
After receiving her own ADHD diagnosis, Denise noticed similarities in Frankie’s behavior and suggested she speak to a specialist.
Frankie Bridge has revealed she’s been diagnosed with ADHDCredit: Getty
She revealed she went and got tested after her Loose Women co-star Denise Welch spotted symptomsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Speaking candidly in a recent YouTube vlog, Frankie recalled Denise telling her:
“I got diagnosed with ADHD and it’s completely changed my life. My depression and my anxiety are so much better.”
Although Frankie initially wasn’t convinced ADHD explained what she had been experiencing, her perspective shifted during the assessment.
“When I went on the call, I wasn’t sure if this was really going to resonate with me. But by the end of it, I was like, ‘Wow… it really does.'”
“It Was a Huge Relief”
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the diagnosis, Frankie described it as an emotional breakthrough.
She admitted she had spent years blaming herself for traits she now understands may have been linked to ADHD.
“Part of me is like, what a relief, because it finally makes sense.”
She explained that learning more about ADHD has helped her feel less guilty about perfectionism, overwhelm, and the constant pressure she puts on herself.
“It doesn’t excuse everything, but hopefully I can stop carrying so much guilt.”
Frankie also highlighted that many women are diagnosed much later in life, often after years of being treated for anxiety or depression without realizing ADHD may be contributing to those struggles.
“They say a lot of women aren’t diagnosed until much later. By then you’ve already dealt with depression and anxiety for years.”
A Long Battle With Mental Health
Frankie has never hidden her mental health journey.
She has previously described herself as being “anxious from the womb,” recalling childhood stomach aches, panic attacks, and breathing difficulties long before finding fame.
Her depression became particularly severe when she was just 15, during her time with S Club Juniors, and worsened as her music career with The Saturdays reached its peak.
In 2011, Frankie made the difficult decision to admit herself to a private psychiatric hospital, where she spent a month receiving treatment after suffering a serious mental health breakdown.
Since then, she has continued to speak openly about the realities of living with depression, using her platform to encourage others to seek help and speak honestly about their experiences.
Fans Rally Around Frankie
Frankie’s latest revelation prompted an outpouring of support from viewers, with many sharing that they had experienced similar journeys.
One fan wrote:
“I recently got diagnosed with ADHD too, and suddenly everything makes so much sense.”
Another commented:
“Thank you for always being so honest and vulnerable.”
Many praised the television star for continuing to raise awareness about mental health and the often-overlooked reality of ADHD in women.
Understanding ADHD
According to the NHS, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, organization, and emotional regulation.
Symptoms can include:
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Difficulty concentrating and staying organized
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Restlessness or constant mental activity
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Impulsive decision-making
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Problems managing emotions and daily tasks
