No one denies he needs time to process some of the experiences his short life has served up.
Until Tuesday, most of the headline facts were well known.
Then O'Brien added a "long and very complicated history of sexual abuse" to the mix - when he spoke on Tuesday morning - and his reality became stark to everyone.
As did the need for the careful public comments in relation to O'Brien being made by the club's leaders in the past few days.
O'Brien is a sensitive soul who often opens his heart to help others.
Who is Harry O'Brien?
Whatever he does, it's done with passion and a determination to make things better for those fortunate enough to come into contact with him.
Don't mistake that characteristic for weakness. O'Brien is tougher than most, but even the toughest need support from others from time to time.
O'Brien's interview took Pies by surprise: Maxwell
That is the reality of any life well lived. Hopefully O'Brien recognises this and accepts readily the advice of those in positions of influence at the club.
Because no matter who you are and what your views are, in a team environment everyone has a responsibility to consider how their actions impact on others.
O'Brien's passion and determination made him a good AFL footballer when he moved from Western Australia to Victoria at 18 to take his chances on Collingwood's rookie list. To this day, Collingwood recruiter Derek Hine remembers O'Brien's response to being given the chance as one of his favourite memories in football.
The passion, combined with ability and a dancer's sidestep, also took O'Brien to the heights of All Australian and premiership player in a premiership year.
And it gave him a public profile that he was determined to use to raise awareness about a range of social issues. He wants to influence the culture that surrounds him.
It never affected his football but it certainly made his life busier.
And it was hard not to wonder, at times, whether he had taken on too much for one young man still maturing and discovering his place in the world.
He became someone who articulated complex thoughts that challenged people.
Depending on your mood and what is occupying your time, such arguments either tire or inspire.
But he never changed from being the first person to throw an arm around the shoulder of someone new to the club environment.
Those who appreciate the artist in O'Brien's soul took a positive slant and understood the good he was striving to achieve. They also knew the real work he does within the community backed up his words.
And they understood he has gone through more than most in his short life, all the time as a public figure. Nathan Buckley knows more than most.
"I get the impression everyone thinks he is a basketcase. He has been through some things that I couldn't imagine what that feels like. He has carried these things for a long time and he feels by sharing them it shares the load a little bit - that's what a footy club is for," Buckley said.
O'Brien's relationship with Buckley is strong enough to deal with whatever happened last week. They go back a long time and although the dynamics may have changed, Buckley has a broader view than most in football.
As the coach admitted on Tuesday, everyone learns every day.
Whatever the case, giving O'Brien a short break to refresh the mind was a smart move.
Collingwood also respected O'Brien's wish to keep a dignified silence about the issues bedevilling him. However, his willingness to open up will allow those around him greater opportunity to help.
He doesn't need any more or less support than anyone else in his position.
Just what he would offer others: a touch of compassion combined with a realistic perspective.
And along with everyone at the club, the best chance to do what he is best at: play good football.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
That is the reality of any life well lived. Hopefully O'Brien recognises this and accepts readily the advice of those in positions of influence at the club.
Because no matter who you are and what your views are, in a team environment everyone has a responsibility to consider how their actions impact on others.
O'Brien's passion and determination made him a good AFL footballer when he moved from Western Australia to Victoria at 18 to take his chances on Collingwood's rookie list. To this day, Collingwood recruiter Derek Hine remembers O'Brien's response to being given the chance as one of his favourite memories in football.
The passion, combined with ability and a dancer's sidestep, also took O'Brien to the heights of All Australian and premiership player in a premiership year.
And it gave him a public profile that he was determined to use to raise awareness about a range of social issues. He wants to influence the culture that surrounds him.
It never affected his football but it certainly made his life busier.
And it was hard not to wonder, at times, whether he had taken on too much for one young man still maturing and discovering his place in the world.
He became someone who articulated complex thoughts that challenged people.
Depending on your mood and what is occupying your time, such arguments either tire or inspire.
But he never changed from being the first person to throw an arm around the shoulder of someone new to the club environment.
Those who appreciate the artist in O'Brien's soul took a positive slant and understood the good he was striving to achieve. They also knew the real work he does within the community backed up his words.
And they understood he has gone through more than most in his short life, all the time as a public figure. Nathan Buckley knows more than most.
"I get the impression everyone thinks he is a basketcase. He has been through some things that I couldn't imagine what that feels like. He has carried these things for a long time and he feels by sharing them it shares the load a little bit - that's what a footy club is for," Buckley said.
O'Brien's relationship with Buckley is strong enough to deal with whatever happened last week. They go back a long time and although the dynamics may have changed, Buckley has a broader view than most in football.
As the coach admitted on Tuesday, everyone learns every day.
Whatever the case, giving O'Brien a short break to refresh the mind was a smart move.
Collingwood also respected O'Brien's wish to keep a dignified silence about the issues bedevilling him. However, his willingness to open up will allow those around him greater opportunity to help.
He doesn't need any more or less support than anyone else in his position.
Just what he would offer others: a touch of compassion combined with a realistic perspective.
And along with everyone at the club, the best chance to do what he is best at: play good football.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
