Majella O'Donnell: My Ten Weeks in a Psychiatric Hospital

In this week's Real Take, Majella O'Donnell shares her personal experience of the ten weeks she spent as an inpatient in St John of God Hospital in 2024, when she became seriously unwell with depression.

She speaks about the fear and vulnerability she experienced, and she also discusses medication, treatment and the practical tools she learned during her time in hospital, including recognising anxiety, understanding her body's fight-or-flight response and finding ways to support herself.

This is just one part of a much wider conversation.

In the full episode....Majella O'Donnell: Completely Herself, we also explore her childhood, her first marriage, motherhood, meeting Daniel and their life together, and how she continues to manage her mental health today.

Support and resources

If you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out. You don't have to face it alone. Your GP is a good place to start, and the following organisations offer support in Ireland.

Aware

Support and information for people experiencing depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, and for their loved ones.

Freephone: 1800 80 48 48

Available daily, 10am–10pm

www.aware.ie

Samaritans