Brazen to publish Bridge's 'brutally honest' second book on mental health

New Octopus imprint Brazen is to publish Grow, the second book from author and TV presenter Frankie Bridge. 

Editorial director Romilly Morgan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown, with publication slated for 19th August 2021. 

Bridge's first book, Open, was published by Octopus imprint Cassell in 2020 and saw the "Loose Women" presenter open up about her ongoing mental health journey. 

In Grow, Bridge will discuss her maternal mental health. It is billed as part narrative exploration, part first aid manual for mothers, and will discuss the growing pains which take place when you become a parent and how hard it can be to grow a baby and raise a child whilst you are still growing into yourself and struggling with your mental health, said the publisher. 

The book will also include notes from the author's psychiatrist, Dr Mike McPhillips, and psychologist Maleha Khan, who will unpack the problems she experienced becoming a mother, as well as additional guidance and parental advice from paediatrician Dr Ed Abrahamson.

Morgan commented: "Frankie’s deeply personal and moving account of her difficulties with her maternal mental health will resonate, unforgettably, with any mother who has struggled yet remained silent for fear of societal judgement and shame."

Bridge said: "Speaking about mental health in your role as a parent can be incredibly difficult and it’s very easy to think that no one else around you is experiencing the same struggles and challenges you are. I hope Grow will help to open up that conversation and reassure other mums that it’s OK not to feel OK all of the time."