'Game of Thrones' Star Says She Contemplated Suicide Growing Up

On Tuesday’s episode of the podcast, “Dr. Phil in the Blanks,” “Game of Thrones” (GOT) star Sophie Turner opened up to Phil McGraw about her depression and experiencing suicidal thoughts growing up.

“I used to think about suicide a lot when I was younger,” she shared. “I don’t know why though. … I don’t think I ever would have gone through with it.”

Turner, who plays Sansa Stark on GOT, said she struggled with depression and her body image when faced with online criticism of her performance and appearance on the hit show.

“I had no motivation to do anything or go out,” she said. “I would cry and cry and cry. Just having to change and put on clothes, I said, ‘I can’t do this.’”

In response to hearing about her experiences with depression, McGraw asked, “And it never occurred to you that 99.99999 percent of girls in the world would love to be you?” 

Though McGraw holds a doctorate degree in psychology and goes by “Dr.” Phil, he is not a licensed psychologist and cannot legally practice as a psychologist because he no longer has a license.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity has spoken to McGraw about experiencing suicidal thoughts as a child. Last year, singer Demi Lovato gave an interview with the TV personality and disclosed that she had considered suicide at age 7.

“The very first time that I was suicidal was when I was 7,” Lovato said. “I had this fascination with death. … At 7, I knew that if I were to take my own life, that the pain would end.”

Turner said she’s feeling better mental-health wise these days. She credits her relationship with Jonas Brothers singer, Joe Jonas, with helping her love herself. She said:

I love myself now, or more than I used to. … I’m now with someone that makes me realize, you know, that I do have some redeeming qualities, I suppose, and when someone tells you they love you every day, it makes you realize why that is, and I think it makes you love yourself a bit more.

To watch Turner’s full interview with Dr. Phil, click here.

For more information about identifying or helping a someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, check out the following stories:

• 21 Phrases Kids Said That Were Code for ‘I Want to Die’
• 10 Things People Do That Actually Mean ‘I’m Thinking About Suicide’
• What People Who’ve Been Suicidal Want to Tell Someone Who’s Suicidal Today