10/06/2026
"My mental health and search for happiness was exacerbated by working in an industry that is all highs and lows all the time.”
Hannah Murray, star of Game of Thrones and Skins, recently opened up to Elizabeth Day on the How To Fail podcast about how mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, shaped her relationship with acting and ultimately led to her decision to leave the industry. We highly recommend giving it a listen.
Murray has since found a new creative path as an author. In her memoir, The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness, she shares more of her story.
Hannah’s experience reflects our recent research showing that 78% of actors experienced mental health challenges in the past year, while six in ten performers across the arts industry are affected by body image concerns.
Hannah also spoke about the isolation she experienced, explaining that “a sense of community was something I was struggling to find”, while many of her non-industry friends struggled to understand periods of unemployment between jobs - asking “What do you do all day?”.
Our research also highlights the social isolation many performers experience, with 77% of actors reporting feelings of loneliness in the past year.
No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. Actors' Trust is here for you. Reach out today❤️
