Twitter's heart-warming response to Sinead O'Connor video
Singer receives wave of support and sparks discussion about mental health after sharing emotional video
Fans of Sinead O'Connor have expressed their support and concern for the singer after she posted an emotional video online detailing her ongoing battle with mental illness.
The Irish singer, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago, talks about feeling isolated and depressed in a 12-minute video shared on Facebook.
"I'm all by myself, there's absolutely nobody in my life," O'Connor said, sitting in a Travelodge hotel room in New Jersey.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"No one except my doctor, my psychiatrist - who is the sweetest man on Earth who says I'm his hero - and that's about the only f**king thing keeping me alive at the moment," she said.
O'Connor has long been a vocal campaigner against the stigma surrounding mental illness, and has often attacked the way the media portrays women with mental health problems.
The 50-year-old songwriter said she hoped the video would help others to know they are not alone.
"I know that I'm just one of millions and millions of people in the world that suffer like I do that don't necessarily have the resources that I have," she said.
"You've got to take care of us. We are doing our best like everybody else."
She added that she is "fighting every day" to stay alive. "I'm not going to die, I'm not going to die but still this is no way for people to be living."
Actress Rose McGowan was among those offering messages of love and support to the singer on social media.
"Thinking of Sinead O'Connor tonight and all of those who struggle with mental illness. A heart-breaking journey. Please hang on," she tweeted.
Others applauded her for her honesty and bravery, and for sparking a broader discussion about mental health stigma and the lack of resources that prohibits many from accessing help.
A message posted on O'Connor's behalf on Facebook today said she was not currently suicidal and is "safe, surrounded by love and receiving the best of care".
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or contact them online for confidential, 24-hour support.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
LA-to-Las Vegas high-speed rail line breaks ground
Speed Read The railway will be ready as soon as 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel's military intelligence chief resigns
Speed Read Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva is the first leader to quit for failing to prevent the Hamas attack in October
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nigeria's worsening rate of maternal mortality
Under the radar Economic crisis is making hospitals unaffordable, with women increasingly not receiving the care they need
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Dengue hits the Americas hard and early
Speed Read Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic as dengue cases surge
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Covid four years on: have we got over the pandemic?
Today's Big Question Brits suffering from both lockdown nostalgia and collective trauma that refuses to go away
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
How happy is Finland really?
Today's Big Question Nordic nation tops global happiness survey for seventh year in a row with 'focus on contentment over joy'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The hollow classroom
Opinion Remote school let kids down. It will take much more than extra tutoring for kids to recover.
By Mark Gimein Published
-
How Tehran became the world's nose job capital
Under the radar Iranian doctors raise alarm over low costs, weak regulation and online influence of 'Western beauty standards'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Africa's renewed battle against female genital mutilation
Under the radar Campaigners call for ban in Sierra Leone after deaths of three girls as coast-to-coast convoy prepares to depart
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How helpful are mental health apps?
Under the radar Market is booming, offering accessibility and affordability, but many apps are unregulated and share sensitive user data
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published