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

Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support, available 24 hours a day.

Freephone: 116 123

www.samaritans.ie

Text About It

Free, confidential text support, available 24/7.

Text HELLO to 50808

www.textaboutit.ie

Pieta

Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and those affected by suicide.

24-hour crisis helpline: 1800 247 247

Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

www.pieta.ie

HSE Mental Health Services

Information about mental health difficulties, treatment options and accessing support.

www2.hse.ie/mental-health/

If you need urgent help :

Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.

A note about medication and treatment :

Majella shares her own experience of psychiatric care, including changes to medication during her hospital stay. This conversation reflects her personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak to your GP or treating clinician before making any changes to prescribed medication.

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