Majella O’Donnell Opens Up About Lifelong Battle with Depression in Emotional TV Interview
Majella O’Donnell, the wife of Irish music star Daniel O’Donnell, has spoken candidly about her ongoing battle with depression, using her return to The Late Late Show to challenge stigma and encourage openness about mental health.
The Donegal-born television personality and singer, known for her warmth and humour, told viewers she “is a mental health sufferer” and stressed the importance of recognising that, in the midst of a depressive episode, “your mind is your worst enemy.” Her words resonated with many across Ireland and beyond, not only for their honesty but for the matter-of-fact way in which she addressed an often-taboo subject.
“I didn’t think it was something private,” Majella explained, reflecting on the moment she first shared her struggle with the public. “Why would you apologise for something that’s happening to you that you have no control over? You wouldn’t apologise for having diabetes or heart trouble.” Her frank comparison drew applause from the studio audience and lit up social media, where many praised her for speaking without shame.
Majella revealed that she has lived with depression for much of her life. Over the years, she has learned to recognise the early warning signs when she feels herself “going down,” a skill she credits with helping her manage her mental health more effectively. This self-awareness, she said, has been hard-won — the result of both professional support and personal resilience.
“When you’ve been through it enough times, you get to know the signs,” she told host Patrick Kielty. “I’ve learned to step back, to look after myself, and to talk about it when I need to. But it’s not something that just goes away. It’s something I live with, and I will continue to live with.”
Her appearance also touched on the public reaction to her earlier revelations about depression. Majella admitted she was surprised by the sheer volume of messages she received from people thanking her for speaking out. “I was taken aback,” she said. “I didn’t expect such a response. But it made me realise how many people are out there feeling alone, thinking they can’t talk about it.”
By addressing her experiences so openly, Majella has become an advocate for a shift in how mental health is discussed in Ireland — urging people to view it as no different from physical illness and to seek help without fear of judgement.
Her comments come at a time when conversations about mental health are increasingly visible in public life, but stigma and misunderstanding remain. For many, her words on national television carried added weight because of her public profile and her connection to one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers.
Majella has long balanced her life in the spotlight with a commitment to authenticity. Whether sharing light-hearted moments with Daniel on their hit travel show Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip or speaking about personal challenges, she has cultivated a reputation for honesty. That same honesty now fuels her mission to normalise conversations about mental wellbeing.
As the interview drew to a close, Majella left viewers with a message that was both simple and powerful: “It’s not a weakness. It’s not something to be ashamed of. And it’s certainly not something you have to hide.”
Her willingness to speak so openly has inspired many who live with depression to find their own voice — and to know they are not alone.