Frankie Bridge says depression battle brought her closer to hubby Wayne

Frankie Bridge has candidly revealed that her heartbreaking battle with depression helped bring her and husband Wayne closer together.

The former Saturdays singer, 31, struggled with mental health issues and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a month at the end of 2011.

And after years of learning to communicate properly, the star says her marriage to Wayne got better as he supported her through the dark times.

The doting mum-of-two admitted Wayne knows how to help her, and with that it has strengthened their six-year marriage.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: "We've been together ten years and I would say we've only really got better at communicating in the last couple of years.

Frankie and Wayne Bridge have been married since 2014 (Getty Images)

"I had my breakdown right early on, it was in our first year of our relationship together and he was amazing."

Frankie continued: "He could've run for the hills, but he didn't. He stuck around and he tried to learn as much as he could through my therapists and doctors at the time. It was a real stress for him."

The singer admitted the couple "carried on with life" and didn't get round to talking about the breakdown after it happened, although she stated it wasn't a 'hush-hush subject'.

Frankie said she was not able to look after herself and was paralysed with negative thoughts (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

The singer has her husband Wayne beside her at all times for support (Instagram)

Frankie confessed they have learnt to communicate properly as she's gotten older, and she is confident in asking for help when she needs it.

The songstress and author added on the Made By Mummas podcast that she "feels for Wayne" as he had to learn to not take any of it personally.

The star revealed: "It's not him that's making me unhappy, it's not our relationship that's making me unhappy, it's just my depression. And I feel for him because that must be really hard.

Frankie is thriving her way through life (WireImage)

"I know when he's having a bit of a rubbish day you can't help but take it personally."

Frankie also opened up about feeling suicidal in her book Open: Why Asking For Help Can Save Your Life.

However the TV star seems to be in a better place now and is thriving with her husband by her side.

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch