Frankie Bridge opens up about 'pressure' to feel and look happy at Christmas

Frankie Bridge has spoken candidly about the pressure she feels to put on a happy front for herself and her family over the Christmas period.

Speaking on Thursday's episode of Loose Women, the singer and TV personality revealed why she chose to share a photo of herself crying after a therapy session earlier this week.

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The 33-year-old star, who has spoken openly about her history of mental health struggles, said it was important to be truthful about her complex emotions around the festive period.

She said: "I am literally Mrs Claus. I love Christmas. I love the lead-up to it. I love the decorations.

"I just kind of was aware that I had kinda had this low moment and I thought 'I'm gonna share it'.

"At the minute, all anyone is seeing is me out having all my Christmas parties and out with the girls and it all looks fun and games.

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"Actually, often around this time of year comes a lot of pressure. You can't necessarily do exactly what you want to do — you're travelling here, there and everywhere, you're trying to keep everyone happy.

"Although it is something I love, I find when I'm supposed to feel happy in a situation, I feel that pressure."

Bridge has been married to her husband — retired footballer Wayne — since 2014, and the couple have two sons together.

She has been an advocate for mental health awareness, especially around motherhood, in recent years and published self-help books entitled OPEN: Why asking for help can save your life and GROW: Motherhood, Mental Health & Me.

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In the books, she has revealed several traumatic events, including believing she was going to inadvertently kill her first child and asking Wayne to write a will while having an anxiety attack on their honeymoon.

Since speaking publicly about her struggles with depression, she has become an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind.

Watch: Frankie Bridge welcomes having whole family for Christmas dinner