Majella O’Donnell Faces Backlash Over Mental Health Comments, Psychiatrists Warn of Harmful Impact
Majella O’Donnell, wife of beloved country singer Daniel O’Donnell, has come under criticism from Ireland’s College of Psychiatrists after making a strongly worded social media post about the cost and accessibility of mental health services — comments that some professionals now fear could dissuade vulnerable individuals from seeking help.
In a passionate and profanity-laden Facebook post over the weekend, Majella voiced her outrage after a friend struggling with anxiety and depression was told she’d have to wait months to see a public consultant psychiatrist — or pay €300 an hour for a private session.
“What the f*** is that all about?” she wrote. “I get so bloody angry at this kind of thing… Here is a young woman realising that she has a problem and is trying to do something positive about it — and this is what the outcome is.”
Majella’s post was met with praise from many members of the public who felt she was giving voice to a system that too often leaves people waiting in crisis. But the College of Psychiatrists expressed serious concern, warning that such comments — while perhaps well-intentioned — could “deter those in extreme distress from seeking support or help.”
In an official press release, the College stressed that public mental health services in Ireland are free at the point of delivery, and that urgent cases are prioritized and treated quickly.
“While it is good to keep the highlight on improvements badly needed in some areas of mental health services,” said Dr. John Hillery, president-elect of the College, “it is important the general public, having read coverage of some of the points attributed to Mrs. O’Donnell, will not be put off looking for help when it is needed.”
Dr. Hillery acknowledged the reality of long wait times in some cases and supported ongoing discussion around system reform, but cautioned against framing the situation in a way that might discourage people from reaching out in moments of severe emotional distress.
Majella, who has been open about her own long-standing battle with depression, said her frustration stemmed from witnessing a friend bravely take a step toward healing — only to be met with red tape, high fees, and what she saw as a lack of meaningful clinical response. She expressed particular dismay that her friend, after being turned away from specialist care, was simply prescribed stronger anti-depressants by her GP without further psychological evaluation.
“She went back to her GP, who once again prescribed anti-depressants — a stronger one this time — and that’s it,” Majella wrote.
The backlash has sparked a wider conversation about access to mental health care in Ireland, particularly in rural areas and for those seeking psychotherapy or psychiatric consultations without lengthy delays.
While Majella has not yet issued a public response to the College’s statement, supporters continue to defend her candor and lived experience, while mental health professionals call for a balanced and informed public dialogue that highlights shortcomings without discouraging care-seeking behavior.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the deep emotional toll mental illness can take — not only on those who suffer directly, but also on those who stand by, trying to help loved ones navigate a complex and often frustrating system.