'I'd hit rock bottom': Frankie Bridge details her 2011 breakdown and secret stay in a psychiatric hospital after suffering 'paralysing' negative thoughts and panic attacks

• e-mail

Frankie Bridge has shared an eye-opening account about her battle with depression. 

The 31-year-old singer hit 'rock bottom' in 2011, detailing her secret breakdown and stint in a psychiatric hospital in her candid new book, Open: Why Asking For Help Can Save Your Life.

The Saturdays star detailed how she went straight from shooting the video for the band's single My Heart Takes Over in Iceland, to being driven to Nightingale Hospital in London by her now husband Wayne Bridge.

Speaking out: Frankie Bridge has shared an eye-opening account about her battle with depression in her new book 

In extracts from her new book published by the Daily Mail, Frankie writes: 'For as long as I can remember I had suffered from anxiety, nervousness, the big black cloud, stress, low moods, sadness.

'I lived with it in silence and tried to conquer it alone... In my late teens and early 20s I'd had medical help of various kinds (in the six months before I was hospitalised, I'd seen two therapists and tried three different anti-depressants — Prozac, venlafaxine and sertraline — but nothing had worked for long).'

Frankie admits things had become so difficult by September 2011 that she would be 'keeping up a smile with the band but coming home every night and sobbing myself to sleep'.

After discussing the best course of action with her psychiatrist, Dr Mike McPhillips, she decided drastic action was needed. 

Lowest ebb: The Saturdays star detailed how she came straight from shooting the video for the band's single My Heart Takes Over in Iceland, to being driven to Nightingale Hospital in London by her now husband Wayne Bridge (pictured en route to hospital)

The singer explained: 'Around the time we shot that video, I'd hit rock bottom. My list of symptoms made sober reading.

'I had uncontrollable panic attacks and paralysing negative thoughts about anything and everything. I had trouble sleeping, lacked energy and had lost my appetite and my libido.

'I couldn't do anything without help and was unable to function in everyday life. Fundamentally, I couldn't see the point of living any more.'

Frankie was driven straight to hospital from the airport by footballer partner Wayne, who she describes as her 'constant' source of support.

'He was my constant, the person who knew me inside out and had seen me at my worst and most vulnerable. He made me feel safe and loved. I couldn't have done it with anyone else', she said.

Girl band: Frankie is seen with her former bandmates Rochelle Humes, Una Healey, Vanessa White and Mollie King (pictured in 2010)

The singer explained: 'Around the time we shot the [My Heart Takes Over in Iceland], I'd hit rock bottom. My list of symptoms made sober reading'

The star said the doctors put her on new medication - 'venlafaxine, clonazepam and diphenhydramine sleeping tablets'  - in such high doses that her first few days in hospital were a blur.

Unfortunately, despite being advised to stay in the hospital for three months, Frankie was discharged after just one due to work commitments.

The star said going back on stage with the girls - Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, Una Healy and Vanessa White - 'just didn't feel possible'.

Recalling her first experience of getting back on stage after her breakdown, Frankie said: 'I burst into uncontrollable tears and dropped to the floor. My whole body went weak and I couldn't breathe. 

'I was so frustrated that this was happening to me. After all the therapy, the medication, the month in hospital, I was still unable to return to my normal life.

Speaking out: With the right medication and therapy, Frankie has managed to 'keep afloat'. The former S Club Juniors star hopes her candid account will encourage others to speak out and to seek help (pictured on Wednesday)

'The girls were scared, too. They had never seen me in this state before and didn't know what to do.'

Although she's come out on the other side, Frankie admits every day is an uphill battle and she'll never be free of the cloud of depression.

But with the right medication and therapy, she has managed to 'keep afloat' - especially thanks to the support of her husband Wayne.

The former S Club Juniors star hopes her candid account will encourage others to speak out and to seek help. 

She explained: 'No matter how low I feel, I know I won't ever be as low as I was when I went into hospital because I managed to speak out and ask for help.' 

For confidential support or advice call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free or visit www.samaritans.org. 

Supportive spouse: 'He was my constant, the person who knew me inside out and had seen me at my worst and most vulnerable', she said of husband Wayne