“Game of Thrones” Actress Hannah Murray Recalls Being in a Wellness Cult, Experiencing a Psychotic Episode

**Hannah Murray Reflects on Harrowing Experience with Wellness Cult and Mental Health Crisis**

Hannah Murray, the award-winning actress renowned for her roles in *Game of Thrones* and *Skins*, has shared her deeply personal and troubling experience of becoming entangled in a wellness cult. This unfortunate involvement culminated in a severe mental health crisis that prompted her hospitalisation.

In a candid discussion with *The Guardian*, the 36-year-old actress spoke about the unexpected spirals that can occur in the wellness industry, making it clear that the stigma surrounding mental health issues can be harmful. “It’s easy to go, ‘Well, that would never happen to me,’ but we do ourselves a disservice when we start saying that,” she cautioned, encouraging more understanding regarding why people may gravitate towards such organisations.

Murray recounted her journey, beginning with an encounter on the set of the 2017 film *Detroit*, where she met an “energy healer” named Grace. The intense and often dark nature of the film left her feeling anxious and troubled, leading her to seek solace. Initially, Grace promised to provide her with healing techniques for a fee, eventually introducing her to the cult, described by Murray as exploitative.

“The pyramid was structured to exploit everyone who tried to climb it,” she explained, describing the dynamics within the organisation in her memoir, *The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness*. She clarified that one individual, a charismatic figure she referred to only as Steve, was in complete control of the situation, drawing upon elements of fantasy reminiscent of narratives popularised in young adult fiction.

Murray’s fixation on Steve grew as she became increasingly immersed in cult activities, where she observed troubling signs of sexual exploitation. “There was just this charge to the energy in the room,” she reflected. Although the environment was predominantly female, Steve stood out with a captivating presence that left a lasting impact on the group.

When Murray expressed her reservations about the potential nature of the organisation to one of the female leaders, she was told that Steve’s approach was merely effective at “breaking down your ego.” However, the actress’s reality became increasingly unstable; her behaviour became erratic, which she later recognised as a troubling sign of her declining mental health.

It was during a five-day course in London that things took a drastic turn. Murray began to experience hallucinations and delusions, believing that Steve had romantic intentions towards her. As her condition deteriorated, she found herself in extreme distress, culminating in an incident where she had to lock herself in a bathroom while the instructors gathered to chant in an attempt to “expel evil spirits” from her.

Eventually, a call for help led to her being restrained by a group of men and transported to a mental health facility. Murray spent 28 days under the Mental Health Act, a time she reflects on as both terrifying and pivotal.

Now diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Murray has come to terms with her struggles and the broader implications they hold within mental health discussions. “What they mean is, like, anxiety and depression. We’re all happy to talk about that. But there’s such a taboo around the idea of people who are sectioned,” she stated, highlighting the necessity for a more nuanced conversation around mental health that includes the complexities of its more severe aspects.

Through her openness, Murray hopes to break down the barriers surrounding mental illness. “It felt really important to say, ‘I went through this,'” she remarked, adding that many individuals may face similar challenges and should not be viewed as “bad or f—ed up forever.”

Her story serves as a resonant reminder of the delicate balance between the allure of wellness culture and the risks it may pose, particularly for those in vulnerable states. As more people acknowledge and share their experiences, the hope is for a more compassionate understanding of mental health issues.

For anyone grappling with mental health challenges, support is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or chatting online at 988lifeline.org, providing crucial help 24/7.