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Hannah Murray reveals cult trauma and bipolar diagnosis in raw memoir

From Hollywood fame to a psychiatric ward—how a wellness cult shattered Hannah Murray's life. Her unflinching memoir lays bare the cost of manipulation and madness.

The image shows a man holding up a book with the words "A Religion is composed of practical and...
The image shows a man holding up a book with the words "A Religion is composed of practical and spiritual elements" written on it. He is standing in front of a wall, and the book he is holding appears to be a guide to spiritual beliefs.

Hannah Murray reveals cult trauma and bipolar diagnosis in raw memoir

Hannah Murray, known for her roles in Skins and Game of Thrones, has revealed her harrowing experience inside a wellness cult. In her upcoming memoir, she details how her involvement led to a psychotic breakdown and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The book, The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness, is set for release on 23 June. Murray’s ordeal began in 2017 when an energy healer, introduced by her personal trainer on the set of Detroit, drew her into the cult. Seeking wisdom and a sense of specialness, she spent thousands of dollars on its practices. The group’s leader reportedly used crude jokes about sex to assert dominance and control over members.

Her time in the cult culminated in a severe psychotic episode, leading to her admission to a psychiatric unit. Doctors later diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. The experience left her disillusioned with both acting and the wellness industry, prompting her early retirement from Hollywood. In her memoir, Murray reflects on the unexpected turn her life took. She describes the book as an account of the extreme highs and devastating lows she faced during that period.

Murray has since stepped away from acting and distanced herself from the wellness world. The Make-Believe offers a firsthand look at her journey through fame, manipulation, and mental health struggles. The memoir will be available from 23 June.

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