Emilia Clarke, renowned for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the acclaimed series ‘Game of Thrones’, has opened up about her challenging journey following two brain haemorrhages that occurred in her early twenties. Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women event in London, she emphasised the imperative need for mental health support for individuals who have experienced brain injuries.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Emilia-Clarke-060426-bd339efec3e749bba036e129e08a03eb.jpg)
At the age of 22, Clarke suffered her first brain haemorrhage and faced a second at 24, coinciding with the peak of her acting career. These life-altering events unfolded alongside her breakthrough role in the hit HBO series and shortly before her stage debut in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ on Broadway. Clarke candidly recounted the overwhelming emotions she faced during this tumultuous time, revealing that she felt as though she had “cheated death” but was haunted by the belief that she was not meant to survive.
Reflecting on her ordeal, the actress remarked, “I truly felt like I had done something wrong, and I shouldn’t be here. I also thought it ruined my ability to act – which some people might agree with!” Clarke’s candidness sheds light on the deep emotional scars that such health crises can inflict, particularly when intertwined with the pressure of a demanding acting career.
Four years after her most recent brain injury, Clarke co-founded the charity SameYou alongside her mother, Jenny Clarke. The organisation aims to offer mental health resources for those recovering from brain injuries, highlighting the alarmingly common statistics that indicate one in three individuals will experience a brain injury at some point in their lives, whether through strokes, traumatic accidents, or other means. Clarke underscored the inadequacies within current health and social care systems to cater adequately to the needs of these individuals.
During her speech, Clarke candidly explored the disconnect between her traumatic experiences and her professional life. Despite enduring significant physical and emotional challenges, she felt obliged to maintain her busy work schedule, leaving little room for reflection and healing. “I never had the chance to reflect on what my two brain traumas had done to me,” she stated. The actress quickly returned to her demanding routines, which included learning lines and filming, soon after both incidents.
Clarke shared her struggles with interpreting her severe symptoms as mere stress, a common oversight in high-pressure environments like the entertainment industry. She recalled instances of enduring significant physical pain, including broken bones without truly recognising the toll it was taking on her body and mind. “Surely that’s normal working in our image-obsessed industry? Breaking a rib after filming a sex scene? Well, maybe that was his fault,” she pondered. Such dismissals of serious health issues resonate with many in similar high-stakes professions.
The complexities surrounding brain injuries are profound, as Clarke articulated during her address. She pointed out that our identity, encompassing personality traits, intellect, humour, and memories, is housed within our minds. When brain function deteriorates, it can profoundly undermine self-trust, leaving individuals frightened and grappling with the fear that they may never regain their former selves. “When that fails you, it can shake your trust in yourself,” she noted, acknowledging the psychological ramifications that accompany physical afflictions.
Despite the dire challenges posed by her experiences, Clarke conveyed a message of hope, insisting that recovery and regaining a sense of self are achievable. Her advocacy for mental health underscores a crucial understanding that, while brain injuries can usher in significant turmoil, people can emerge stronger with the right support and resources.
Through her work with SameYou and her public discussions, Clarke aims to destigmatise conversations around mental health, particularly in the context of brain injuries. Her poignant testimony serves not only as a source of inspiration for those facing similar struggles but also as a clarion call for increased awareness and better mental health services for individuals recovering from traumatic experiences.
Emilia Clarke’s journey from a celebrated actress to a determined advocate for mental health highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the silent battles many endure in the face of health crises. As she continues her mission, she ignites hope and encourages others to trust in their recovery process.