Majella O’Donnell appeared on The Late Late show Friday night. She bravely opened up about her past mental health issues and encouraged viewers to reach out if they needed help.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and shaved her head on live television to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society, resulting in €600,000 in donations.
The 65-year-old has also suffered with depression since her late teens and has been taking anti-depression medication since her 30s.
Majella has bravely opened up about her mental health all her life, sharing her experience and removing the shame surrounding depression.
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In early 2024, Majella voluntarily admitted herself into a psychiatric hospital during a low patch. She was admitted into St John of God Hospital for 10 weeks.
She shared a message before admittance to her family and husband, Daniel O’Donnell.
“I’ve nothing to say. I’m just lost. Please give me the time. I love you all very much and you know I’ll be back in contact with you when I feel able,” she said at the time.
During her interview on The Late Late Show, she talked with host Patrick Kielty about her battle with depression. She expressed how she is ‘’feeling really good now’’ and shared how she had “a very, very bad patch in 2024”.
Reflecting on her experience with mental health she encouraged viewers to seek help if they are having trouble and that for her it was so worth doing.
“And if you are that person who’s feeling really, really low, go to your GP. Go to them, tell them how you feel. Tell them what you need.”
During her interview, she preached the importance of removing the shame stigma surrounding mental health.
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“Never feel ashamed for having mental health problems, because were human.”
She also commented on how she hopes mental illness will be regarded as the same as physical illnesses such as cancer as there is no shame in being sick.
Words by Nia Hayden
