Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sinead O’Connor ‘receiving medical treatment’ following overdose Facebook post

O’Connor posted distraught message on official Facebook account, triggering concerns for her wellbeing

Heather Saul
Sunday 29 November 2015 16:09 EST
Sinead O'Connor is reportedly receiving medical treatment after a worrying message about taking an ‘overdose’ was posted on her Facebook page
Sinead O'Connor is reportedly receiving medical treatment after a worrying message about taking an ‘overdose’ was posted on her Facebook page (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The singer Sinead O’Connor is reportedly receiving medical treatment after a worrying message about taking an ‘overdose’ was posted on her Facebook page.

O’Connor sparked fears for her wellbeing after the emotional post claiming she had taken an overdose at a hotel in Ireland was widely shared. She did not disclose the name or location of the hotel.

In the lengthy message, O’Connor, who has four children, said she was “broken by events during this week" and claimed to have been subject to “appalling cruelty”.

“The last two nights finished me off. I have taken an overdose,” it read.

“I am at a hotel, somewhere in Ireland, under another name. There is only so much any woman can be expected to bear.”

The authenticity of the post has not been verified and a spokesperson for O'Connor declined to comment.

Gardai Police were alerted to her message and found O’Connor, according to the Irish Examiner. She is reportedly “safe and well” and receiving medical treatment.

A police spokesperson told The Independent it could not comment on individual cases.

O’Connor, 48, underwent a hysterectomy in August and cancelled all of her 2015 shows in July to care for her child after he was diagnosed with a “life-threatening illness”. She did not specify the nature of his illness at the time.

Sinead O'Connor's marriage ends after 16 days

Ruth Sutherland, Samaritans’ CEO said, "Our research shows that many people find social media to be a crucial outlet when they are struggling to cope. If you are concerned about someone you know, or are experiencing difficult feelings, talking through whatever is getting to you can make all the difference – it can be life saving."

Anyone in need of confidential support can contact The Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 116 123 or by visiting www.samaritans.org

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in