Game of Thrones’ Star Says She Mistook Psychiatric Hospital for a Palace After Joining Wellness Cult

Hannah Murray’s Journey from Wellness Cult to Psychiatric Hospital

Hannah Murray, widely recognized for her role as Gilly in the iconic series *Game of Thrones*, recently opened up about a harrowing chapter in her life involving a wellness cult and a subsequent mental health crisis. In her candid memoir, *The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness*, Murray recounts how she became deeply entangled in the beliefs of a wellness group she joined in 2017, which she later described as an “evil cult.” This immersion culminated in a psychotic break that landed her in a psychiatric hospital, where she was so consumed by her delusions that she believed the hospital was a palace.

The actress’s story is a stark reminder of how vulnerable even the most educated and seemingly grounded individuals can become when exposed to manipulative groups promising healing and enlightenment. Murray’s experience shines a light on the darker side of the wellness industry and the urgent need for critical thinking and mental health support.

How the Wellness Cult Took Hold

Murray’s introduction to the cult began through an “energy healer” she met while filming the 2017 movie *Detroit*, a role that deeply affected her emotionally due to its dark and violent subject matter. Seeking solace, she attended a $150 healing session with this healer, whom she called Grace. This initial encounter led her to participate in more classes and retreats with the group, gradually drawing her deeper into their world.

The cult’s leader, a man Murray refers to as Steve, exerted a powerful and magnetic influence over her. She described him as possessing “magical power” and being a figure she believed to be divine. This belief intensified during a five-day retreat in London, where hallucinations and psychotic episodes began to overwhelm her.

The Psychotic Break and Hospitalization

During her psychotic break, Murray’s grip on reality slipped dramatically. She vividly recalls arriving at the psychiatric hospital, Gordon Hospital in Bloomsbury, London, and perceiving it as a palace. Her delusions were so immersive that she believed she was entering a royal chamber to meet Steve, the cult leader, who she thought was a godlike figure.

In her memoir, she describes the hospital room in surreal detail—the blue sofa, the blue chair, the blue blanket—all reminiscent of the last place she saw Steve. Even the hospital staff became part of her hallucinations; a nurse in uniform was mistaken for a disguised magician.

One of the most disturbing aspects of her experience was participating in cult rituals, including drinking her own urine, which she believed was a powerful potion that would sustain her without food. This ritualistic behavior highlights the extreme psychological control the cult exerted over her.

Breaking Free and the Road to Recovery

Murray’s stay in the psychiatric ward lasted 28 days. During this time, visits from family and friends, along with the return of her phone, helped her reconnect with reality. She began to question the cult leader’s intentions and the validity of the beliefs she had adopted.

Her memoir reveals a critical turning point when she confronted Steve via text messages, demanding clarity about what had happened to her. His defensive responses only confirmed her doubts about the group’s true nature.

Although Murray was not fully recovered upon discharge, her time in the hospital marked the beginning of her journey away from the cult’s influence. She acknowledges that recovery was neither simple nor linear, emphasizing the complexity of mental health struggles.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Critical Thinking

In interviews following the release of her memoir, Murray has spoken out about the broader implications of her experience. She warns against the unchecked growth of the wellness industry, which can sometimes mask harmful practices under the guise of healing.

Murray stresses that anyone can fall prey to such groups, regardless of education or background. She advocates for greater understanding and compassion toward those who experience severe mental health crises, including those who are hospitalized or “sectioned” under mental health laws.

Her story challenges the stigma surrounding psychiatric hospitalization and calls for more open conversations about mental health beyond common conditions like anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Hannah Murray’s courageous revelation about mistaking a psychiatric hospital for a palace after joining a wellness cult offers a powerful insight into the dangers of manipulative groups and the fragility of mental health. Her memoir not only chronicles her personal ordeal but also serves as a wake-up call to critically evaluate wellness trends and support those struggling with mental illness.

If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues or involved in questionable wellness practices, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Understanding and awareness are the first steps toward healing and recovery.

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