Ex-Actress Escaped Cult, Psychosis, and Hollywood

Hannah Murray, formerly of 'Skins' and 'Game of Thrones,' has found profound relief in no longer acting, escaping the industry's relentless pressures. These included demanding roles, constant weight scrutiny, and the emotional rollercoaster of auditions and professional recognition. Her decision to leave acting stemmed from a complex mix of these factors, alongside personal struggles with a lifestyle involving substance use and reckless behavior.

By age 27, Murray became involved with a wellness cult. This experience led to a catastrophic psychotic episode, resulting in her hospitalization and a subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. For the past nine years, she has been piecing together this intense period of her life.

Her memoir, "The Make-Believe," chronicles her immersion in the 'underbelly of the wellness and spiritual world.' Murray meticulously details how the convergence of hedonism and the self-help industry led her into a financially and mentally costly cult. The book critically examines the pervasive nature of wellness culture and its seductive promises.

Murray's path to the cult began with an 'energy healer' she met while filming 'Detroit' in 2017. This encounter, following a traumatic filming experience, led her to a series of classes that escalated in cost and spiritual claims. She eventually met the cult's leader, referred to as 'Steve,' who exerted significant influence.

The article describes Murray's rise in acting, her academic pursuits at Cambridge, and her personal struggles, including a disordered relationship with food and early signs of mental health challenges. She notes the influence of popular culture, like "Harry Potter," on her desire for a magical, hidden world.

Murray's journey into the cult, fueled by a desire for specialness and quick fixes, culminated in a severe manic episode while attending a five-day course. This led to her being detained under the Mental Health Act for 28 days. She has since found stability through routine, exercise, and writing, distancing herself from wellness trends.