“The Boys” Star Erin Moriarty Says Her Graves’ Disease Diagnosis Triggered a ‘Severe Mental-Health Crisis’

In a candid and poignant essay published in *Time*, actress Erin Moriarty has opened up about her struggle with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that went undiagnosed for several years. The 31-year-old star of the hit series *The Boys* detailed the profound emotional and physical toll of her illness, a battle she felt compelled to share to raise awareness about conditions that predominantly affect women but remain poorly understood.

Moriarty began experiencing severe symptoms in September 2023, which included significant fatigue, memory loss, and intense mood swings. The actress reflected on her declining health, stating, “My memory was failing me. My body felt unfamiliar.” Her condition worsened to the point that daily activities became daunting. “…my hands and feet became so weak and numb that walking began to feel dangerous,” she wrote, highlighting the gravity of her situation as she juggled filming commitments with her declining health.

Despite her deteriorating condition, Moriarty continued to portray her character, Starlight, in *The Boys*. She admitted that doing so while grappling with chronic illness was particularly taxing. “I was going through the physical hell of chronic illness on a public stage,” she stated. The combination of public scrutiny and personal struggles proved to be an emotional challenge, compounding the difficulties of her situation.

In May 2025, after a long search for answers, Moriarty received her diagnosis: Graves’ disease, which affects the thyroid and can cause a host of debilitating symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive difficulties. Upon learning of her condition, the actress noted, “the day my life began again,” expressing relief that the chaos in her body was finally given a name. However, she poignantly clarified that receiving a diagnosis did not instantly resolve her struggles, but rather provided a framework for her years of suffering.

Following her diagnosis, Moriarty began treatment, yet she faced another hurdle. In August 2025, she was hospitalised after experiencing a severe mental health crisis. Reflecting on this tumultuous period, she revealed, “As my physical health began to improve, I realised how absent from myself I had been for the previous two years.” This realisation was accompanied by feelings of grief over the time lost and the impact on her professional and personal life.

Moriarty emphasised that her motivation for sharing her story stems from a desire to address the misconceptions surrounding illnesses that particularly affect women. She stated, “Illnesses that disproportionately affect women are still too often minimized, misunderstood, or exaggerated. Silence has consequences.” Her call to action is not just for her own healing, but to encourage others to acknowledge their own health challenges before they escalate.

In her essay’s conclusion, Moriarty shared a heartfelt message for anyone who might be experiencing similar struggles. She urged, “Listen to yourself before your body is forced to scream loud enough for the world to hear it.” This plea acts as both a warning and an encouragement to be proactive about one’s health, especially in a societal context that often overlooks women’s medical issues.

Erin Moriarty’s openness in discussing her battle with Graves’ disease has sparked important conversations about health awareness and the persistent stigma surrounding women’s health conditions. Through her experience, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding and compassion for those facing similar challenges.

For individuals grappling with mental health issues or emotional distress, support options are readily available. Resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, can provide help around the clock. The pathway to healing begins with the courage to reach out and seek assistance.