'Game of Thrones' Star Maisie Williams Says She Struggled With Self-Hatred and Racing Thoughts

Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on “Game of Thrones,” knows what it’s like to struggle with self-hatred.

In an interview on radio personality Fearne Cotton’s “Happy Place” podcast, the actress opened up about struggling with self-hatred issues primarily due to hurtful comments she read online.

“I went through a huge period of my life where I’d tell myself every day that I hated myself,” she said.

Though most of us don’t personally know what it’s like to struggle with the unavoidable scrutiny that comes with celebrity, Williams’ description of the racing thoughts that often accompany thoughts of self-hatred may sound familiar.

“It got to a point where I’d be in a conversation with my friends and my mind would be running and running,” she said. “I’d be thinking about all the stupid things I’ve said in my life and it would just race and race.”

Williams isn’t the only “Game of Thrones” star who has struggled with her mental health. Sophie Turner, who plays Arya’s sister Sansa Stark in the series, spoke to Dr. Phil last month about struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

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

If you’re struggling with self-hatred or your mental health, you’re not alone. Mighty contributor Sylvia DeMichiel wrote about her experience with self-loathing in her piece, “When Hating Yourself Is All You Can Think About.” She said:

I try to love myself on most days, but I’m not always successful, but I do try. There’s a quote that explains it pretty well: ‘I forget to love myself most days. But I keep trying. I keep trying. And that alone is a victory.’ If you’ve never struggled with the art of loving yourself, you may not get it, but for others, it’s a real struggle.

If you are struggling with self-hatred today, you’re not alone. As DeMichiel wrote, trying to love yourself is a victory in itself, so please don’t give up. You are important and your life matters — even when it doesn’t feel like it.

For anyone who needs support today, The Mighty community is here for you. To give and get support from people who really “get it,” post a Thought or Question on The Mighty with the hashtag #CheckInWithMe.

If you are in crisis, please can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line if you are in the U.S. For resources outside the U.S., head here.