Majella O’Donnell Opens Up About Postnatal Depression After the Birth of Her Second Child
In an emotional interview on Keys to My Life with Brendan Courtney, Majella O’Donnell courageously shared her deeply personal struggle with postnatal depression, a challenge she faced after the birth of her second child. This rare and raw revelation sheds light on a traumatic time in her life that was marked by isolation, loneliness, and confusion, ultimately leading her to seek help when she felt she could no longer cope on her own.
The year 1990 was a pivotal moment for Majella. Living in an apartment in Edinburgh with her then-husband, Raymond MacLennan, and their two young children—three-month-old Michael and two-and-a-half-year-old Siobhan—Majella recalls the overwhelming sense of responsibility and isolation she felt as a new mother of two.
Visiting her former home during the interview, Majella reflected on the emotional weight of that time, sharing how she vividly remembers “trying to get up the steps with a pushchair.” She also admitted how, at the time, she didn’t fully realize what she was going through, saying, “I didn’t know I was experiencing depression.” Looking back, she recalls the sorrow and confusion she felt—feeling disconnected from her children and overwhelmed by the day-to-day demands of motherhood.
One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when Majella shared the moment she reached out to social services for help. “I went into the bathroom, Siobhan was outside the door. She was calling ‘mammy, mammy,’ and I was sitting on the toilet with Michael in my arms,” she said. “To me, it felt like she was just clawing at me, and I just couldn’t cope anymore.” In that desperate moment, she called social services, not knowing what else to do, feeling like she was at the breaking point.
The social workers who arrived at her home, however, did not help her directly but instead focused on her daughter, Siobhan. Majella later spoke of the additional emotional burden she felt during that time: her husband’s absence, his increasing detachment, and the painful realization that he was having an affair. “I felt that there was something wrong, and I kept asking him, ‘What’s wrong?’ and he said, ‘Nothing’s wrong; I’m very happy,’” she shared.
The discovery of the affair was a pivotal moment in Majella’s emotional journey. When she eventually sought the help of a psychiatrist, she learned the truth. “I felt relieved because I thought, ‘I’m not going mad, it’s okay, I’m right.’” Despite the betrayal, Majella tried to salvage her marriage, accepting Raymond back several times before their relationship ultimately ended.
Reflecting on that difficult period, Majella admitted that she felt a deep sadness about the lost time with her children. “I just want to pick them up and cuddle them and hold them because I probably wasn’t great with them,” she said, clearly feeling the weight of what was missed in those years. “I’d just love to be able to enjoy them at that age again.”
Despite the emotional turmoil and challenges, Majella eventually found peace and happiness in her second marriage to Daniel O’Donnell, the beloved Irish country singer. The couple now splits their time between Donegal, Ireland, and Tenerife, and they are deeply committed to each other. Majella’s openness about her struggles, particularly her battle with postnatal depression, serves as an inspiring example of resilience and courage.
Her willingness to share such a personal and painful experience has undoubtedly provided comfort to others who may be facing similar challenges. By opening up about her journey, Majella has proven that even the darkest times can lead to healing, growth, and ultimately, a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings.
Majella’s story is a reminder of the importance of seeking help and the power of compassion—both for ourselves and others. In sharing her experience, Majella offers not only her own strength but also hope for anyone who might be struggling in silence, knowing that it is never too late to find support, healing, and a brighter future.