Kit Harington Blames ‘Game of Thrones’ Popularity For His Mental Health Issues: ‘Tried To Project An Image’
British actor Kit Harington, famous for his role “Jon Snow” in the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” opened up about mental health issues. Speaking on “Hidden 20%,” a wellness podcast, Kit blamed his popularity from the show for contributing to mental health problems. He also revealed about his brief stint at rehab, where he learned that he has ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) after a diagnosis.
Right Place, Right Time
In 2019, the English actor entered rehab for alcoholism, and started getting help for his struggle. But Jon Snow aka Aegon Targaryen didn’t warm up to the idea immediately. He saw a bunch of people in a group therapy, and said, “F– this, not you guys in a circle. No, thank you.”
Luckily, at the second rehab, he sobered up. The GOT star says he was in the right place at the right time because they diagnosed that he also had ADHD. “I realised that my life was hinging on this, and so, I managed to forge a new life from there,” he says he is grateful. He got out as soon as they informed him of ADHD, and thought, “I’ll try to deal with this by myself.”
The Game of Thrones Star Stopped Working for 4 Years
Kit Harington solely focused on getting better, and in the meantime, didn’t accept any more work. For 4 years, he was jobless, and eventually got healthier and sober. Game of Thrones, which ran from 2011-2019, made him a huge celebrity, and the sudden fame got to his head. He tried to project a sophisticated image, and that messed him up even further, and led to mental health struggles.
“I tried to project an image of utter sophistication and coolness about what I was doing, but was genuinely being sort of terrified about everything,” he shared on the podcast. Kit, 37, is currently sober and spends time with his wife and two kids – a son, aged 3, and a baby girl 6-months-old. Harington’s wife is Scottish actress Rose Leslie, 36, famous for her role Ygritte in Game of Thrones.
Kit Harington with wife and Game of Thrones Co-star Rose Leslie
Kit Harington Takes Charge of His Emotional Health
Almost 20% of all adults have some sort of neurodivergent condition, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, social anxiety, etc. But most of these go undiagnosed. Per Deadline, Kit calls it a rabbit hole you can easily fall into, as you try to put on a brave face for a long time before seeking help.
Becoming aware of these conditions and advocating mental health is crucial, he says. HBO is currently planning a “Jon Snow” spin-off, and Kit Harington to reprise the original character.
