Sinead O'Connor: How to help someone 'at risk of hurting themselves'

Sinead O'Connor posted a concerning message on her Facebook page (Getty)

Sinead O’Connor is reportedly receiving medical treatment after an emotionally fraught message appeared on her Facebook page warning that she’d taken an “overdose”.

Stating that she was staying at an undisclosed hotel in Ireland under a false name, the post told Facebook users that she had “taken an overdose” because she was “broken up by events during this week.”

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

The authenticity of the post has not been verified and The Independent could not immediately reach a representative for Ms O’Connor for comment.

Enabling users to contact others instantly, social media is a relatively new platform for those with mental health issues to express their emotions or that they are experiencing a crisis.

Charities have urged those who are concerned about a message someone has left on social media to quickly seek emergency help if they believe the person is in immediate danger, or to talk to them if appropriate.

Rachel Boyd, the information manage for the mental health charity Mind, said: “If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life, you should encourage them either to ring the Samaritans (116 123), contact their GP for an emergency appointment, ring 999, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.”

If someone has flagged their distress on social media, they should be approached without judgement, criticism or blame explained Brian Dow, Director of External Relations at Rethink Mental Illness. Majorie Walalce, the chief executive of SANE, mirrored his advice, and said the person must be shown “compassion and understanding”.

“It is vital to let the person know that you care about them and that they are not alone,” Mr Dow said.

As social media is such an exposed platform, it is also important to consider how others may be affected by a response to a concerning message, said Dr Iris Elliott, Head of Policy and Research of the Mental Health Foundation.

“On public forums like social media we also need to be conscious of not just the person expressing distress but others who may be affected and who read the associated comments. So alongside directly contacting someone in distress, it's helpful to more broadly highlight support services.”

The next step is getting professional help, but this can be “overwhelming,” said Mr Dow.

“Sometimes looking too far ahead can be overwhelming for an individual, so encourage them to think about the small steps, and getting through that day, and not the rest of their life.”

Those who attempt to help others must also remember to consider their own mental health, said Ms Boyd.

She explained that “people feel pressure ‘to say the right thing’,” but stressed “you don’t have to be an expert to make a big difference to someone who says they are feeling suicidal.

"Remember that even just by acknowledging how someone is feeling and encouraging them to seek support, you are helping that person to feel less isolated and frightened.”

She went on to that as it can be “very distressing and emotionally draining” to know someone you care about is having suicidal feelings, and so those offering assistance may also like to someone about how they feel.

“Make sure you also get enough sleep, eat regularly and do things you enjoy to maintain your own wellbeing.”

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.