Breaking Free: Hannah Murray's Journey from Cult Influence to Mental Health Recovery
Hannah Murray, known for her role in "Game of Thrones," shared her harrowing experience with a wellness cult in her new book, "The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness." After a mental health crisis landed her in the hospital, Murray detailed her 28-day stay at Gordon Hospital in London, where she began to break free from the influence of the cult's leader, whom she described as leading an "evil cult."
The actress first encountered the cult through an energy healer she met on the set of her movie "Detroit." The dark subject matter of the film took a toll on Murray, leading her to seek guidance from the energy healer, Grace, who introduced her to the organization.
Murray's involvement in the cult deepened as she attended more classes and eventually met the leader, Steve, whom she described as exuding magical power. Her intense hallucinations during a retreat with cult members led to a psychotic break and her hospitalization.
During her stay at the hospital, Murray experienced delusions, including mistaking the hospital room for a palace and engaging in cult rituals like drinking her own urine. After days in the hospital and reconnecting with her family and friends, she began to question Steve's intentions and the reality of the cult.
Upon her discharge from the psychiatric ward, Murray acknowledged that she was still struggling with her mental health. In an interview, she emphasized the importance of critical thinking about wellness and the dangers of falling into the trap of such organizations.
Murray has since distanced herself from acting and remains cautious of wellness-related activities. She hopes to shed light on the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the experiences of those who have been sectioned, emphasizing that going through such challenges does not define a person as bad or forever damaged.