Majella O’Donnell Opens Up About Mental Health Journey and the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown
Majella O’Donnell, the wife of country star Daniel O’Donnell, has been candid about her ongoing battle with depression and how the COVID-19 lockdown provided unexpected relief. While Majella has faced mental health challenges for many years, she revealed that the pandemic allowed her to spend more quality time with her husband, a luxury she doesn’t usually get due to his extensive touring schedule.
In an interview with RSVP Live, Majella shared her thoughts on how the lockdown affected her mental health. “I’m blessed to have that,” she said, reflecting on the peaceful environment of their home, which is surrounded by a lovely garden and provides her with space to relax. Though she admitted that she didn’t enjoy the lockdown itself, she appreciated the slower pace it brought, particularly the uninterrupted time with Daniel. Majella, who described herself as a naturally solitary person, found solace in the quiet and calm atmosphere, which helped alleviate some of the stress that might have otherwise affected her.
Despite facing significant mental health struggles for many years, Majella said the time spent at home with Daniel became a source of comfort. “I didn’t find it too bad because I’m kind of a solitary person anyway. I enjoy my own company,” she explained. Although the lockdown was challenging for many, Majella expressed particular sympathy for younger generations who were missing out on social experiences during the pandemic.
Majella also spoke about her ongoing journey with depression and how she is better equipped to manage it today. With years of experience, she now recognizes the signs of a mental health decline, such as when she feels overtired or stressed. Her strategies for managing her mental health include ensuring she doesn’t take on too much at once, prioritizing sleep, and going for walks, all of which help improve her well-being. Majella, who has been on antidepressants for a long time, also shared that she has sought medical advice when needed, and now feels more in control of her mental health than ever before.
Beyond her personal struggles, Majella is dedicated to helping others. She runs Donegal Wellness, a charity aimed at supporting mental health, and has recently launched several wellness cafés around Donegal. These cafés provide a safe, welcoming space for people to gather, chat, and support one another’s well-being. “The wellness cafés are especially important now, after the pandemic, as they give people a chance to reconnect and open up,” Majella said. Currently, there are ten wellness cafés in Donegal, with plans to expand them online.
Majella’s honesty about her own mental health and her efforts to create supportive spaces for others showcase her strength, resilience, and compassion. By providing a platform for open conversations about mental health, she is making a real difference in her community. As she continues to manage her own health while supporting others, Majella O’Donnell stands as an inspiring figure of hope and kindness.