Irish CNN reporter Donie O’Sullivan has won praise for using his “15 minutes of fame” to speak out about mental health.
The Kerry native found himself trending on Twitter last month, after he impressed CNN viewers with his calm reporting during the Capitol Hill riots in Washington D.C.
Donie’s newfound fame on social media was covered by multiple outlets in Ireland, and he subsequently made an appearance on The Late Late Show in January.
Weeks after his appearance on the popular chat show, the 29-year-old has opened up about his battle with anxiety and depression in a candid interview with The Irish Times Magazine.
Donie told the publication: “I would say that the chaos that I have had in the past in my mind is far more terrifying than anything I have encountered, even at the riot that day at the Capitol.”
Most read: The Irish CNN reporter, Donie O’Sullivan, who shot to fame following his coverage of the US Capitol riots, on how important it is to get help for mental health issues https://t.co/LSkSXWOVWy
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) February 13, 2021
“The most terrifying position I have been in in my life has been in my own mind in the grips of anxiety and depression.”
Speaking about his decision to share his mental health struggles, Donie said: “I just thought it was important for me, while I have my 15 minutes of fame at home – and before it ends – to say, one, I have gone through this and, two, I am still going through this. I am terrified of it still and I don’t want it to come back.”
“I want to send the message that you can do this stuff but you need to get help. A lot of guys at home don’t get help. They live on with it, in torture. I don’t know how they could do that because it is just not worth it. There is help out there. There really is.”
Since Donie’s interview was published this morning, his name has started trending on Twitter once again.
Social media users have praised the 29-year-old for his courage and bravery, and commended him for using his platform to speak out about such an important issue.
Grateful to @donie for using his “15 minutes” to talk to @SiCarswell about his mental health struggles & urge other sufferers to get help. “If I didn’t get help, I would not be at @CNN , I would not have been at the Capitol & I’m not sure I’d be alive” https://t.co/K8jp7nj037
— Róisín Ingle (@roisiningle) February 13, 2021
This is very striking: “He was not sure if his Kerry father would “get it” but he did because he has lived all his life in Cahersiveen and has seen dozens of men kill themselves.”
If you need help please call @SamaritansIRL on 116123
Thank you @donie https://t.co/8ahClKtCYr
— Colette Sexton (@colette_sexton) February 13, 2021
There are people with whom I wish I could share this report on anxiety and mental health, but I didn’t know I needed to when they were alive. RT if you can. Respect to @donie for using his platform in such a positive way. Maith an fear. https://t.co/ZdHpJcKJAs
— Nick McGivney (@nmcgivney) February 13, 2021
“The 29-year-old feels that given the attention – and affection – he has received from home for his work in recent weeks, it would be a disservice not to use this new-found profile and the platform… if if only to “help one other person’.”
👏🏻 @donie https://t.co/PxIihZOwDO
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 13, 2021
2 year old: who is that boy Mammy?
Me: that’s my friend @donie and he’s going to help a lot of people today.
If you’ve a friend or relative you’re worried about, this interview may help them seek the help Donie so eloquently and powerfully talks abouthttps://t.co/SgloXRDTI1
— Aine Kerr (@AineKerr) February 13, 2021
So so so proud of you @donie, and proud to know you.
“I just thought it was important for me, while I have my 15 minutes of fame at home – and before it ends – to say, one, I have gone through this and, two, I am still going through this.”https://t.co/5uprECuxen
— Rachel Rodriguez 😷 (@rayrod) February 13, 2021
Powerful interview with @donie in today’s Irish Times where he talks about his mental health and the importance of getting help. Well worth taking the time to read @SiCarswell https://t.co/xu1SKVlbUb
— Debbie O’Donnell (@debbie_odonnell) February 13, 2021
Donie O Sullivan – our own CNN hero, telling his mental health story to help men especially step up for help.
Much needed.
Often too much emphasis on running and diet…..never be afraid of meds and therapy – they work!#mentalhealth(via @IrishTimes) https://t.co/yTg0HCejFM
— Stephanie Regan (@StephanieBRegan) February 13, 2021
