Twitter's heart-warming response to Sinead O'Connor video
Singer receives wave of support and sparks discussion about mental health after sharing emotional video
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Fans of Sinead O'Connor have expressed their support and concern for the singer after she posted an emotional video online detailing her ongoing battle with mental illness.
The Irish singer, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago, talks about feeling isolated and depressed in a 12-minute video shared on Facebook.
"I'm all by myself, there's absolutely nobody in my life," O'Connor said, sitting in a Travelodge hotel room in New Jersey.
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"No one except my doctor, my psychiatrist - who is the sweetest man on Earth who says I'm his hero - and that's about the only f**king thing keeping me alive at the moment," she said.
O'Connor has long been a vocal campaigner against the stigma surrounding mental illness, and has often attacked the way the media portrays women with mental health problems.
The 50-year-old songwriter said she hoped the video would help others to know they are not alone.
"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," she said.
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"You've got to take care of us. We are doing our best like everybody else."
She added that she is "fighting every day" to stay alive. "I'm not going to die, I'm not going to die but still this is no way for people to be living."
Actress Rose McGowan was among those offering messages of love and support to the singer on social media.
"Thinking of Sinead O'Connor tonight and all of those who struggle with mental illness. A heart-breaking journey. Please hang on," she tweeted.
Others applauded her for her honesty and bravery, and for sparking a broader discussion about mental health stigma and the lack of resources that prohibits many from accessing help.
A message posted on O'Connor's behalf on Facebook today said she was not currently suicidal and is "safe, surrounded by love and receiving the best of care".
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or contact them online for confidential, 24-hour support.
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