Sinead O'Connor 'in hospital' after posting alarming suicidal Facebook video

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music

Get our Now Hear This email for free

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Sinead O’Connor is reportedly in hospital in New Jersey receiving care after sharing a distressing video which sparked widespread concern for her welfare.

The Irish songwriter raised fresh concern over her mental health after she posted a 12-minute video on her Facebook page tearfully explaining she has wanted to kill herself for the past two years.

The 50-year-old, who rose to worldwide fame for “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990, said she was living out of a Travelodge motel in New Jersey and her doctor and psychiatrist were the only thing “keeping her alive”.

The musician, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said she had felt alone since losing custody of her 13-year-old son and revealed she is suffering from three mental illnesses.

According to the Daily Mail, O’Connor is now in a hospital in the US state of New Jersey receiving care in the wake of the video.

A message was posted on the singer’s Facebook page on Tuesday reassuring fans she is safe and not suicidal.

“Hi everybody, I am posting at Sinead's request, to let everyone who loves her know she is safe, and she is not suicidal,” it reads.

“She is surrounded by love and receiving the best of care. She asked for this to be posted knowing you are concerned for her. I won't respond to any questions, so please understand. I hope this comforts those of you were concerned.”

O’Connor’s video, which quickly went viral, sparked a flood of messages from thousands of friends and fans on social media expressing their concern for the singer’s wellbeing.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 30-day free trial

Sign up

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 30-day free trial

Sign up

O’Connor, who has been married four times, is mother to four children from four different relationships and became a grandma for the first time in 2015. After the singer lost custody of her youngest child, she made suicide threats, telling Ireland’s Child and Family Agency they would have “a dead celebrity on their hands” if they did not go back on their decision.

The musician, who lost her mother when she was just 19, said she hoped that opening up about her mental health problems would help others in similar situations. O’Connor made it clear she planned to get through and survive her latest crisis.

“I hope that this video is somehow helpful,” she told viewers. “I know that I’m just one of millions and millions of people in the world that suffer like I do that don’t necessarily have the resources that I have.”

O’Connor sparked a police investigation last June after she disappeared from a suburb of Chicago after going on a bike ride with friends. Fears were raised about her safety but she was found safe in the end.

A representative for O'Connor did not immediately respond to request for comment.

For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch.