Kit Harington, known for his role as Jon Snow in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, recently shared his struggles with alcoholism and mental health in an interview on the health podcast Hidden 20%. The actor revealed that the sudden fame from the show led him down a “dangerous rabbit hole,” resulting in his decision to seek help and prioritize his well-being.
During the interview with host Ben Branson, Harington disclosed that he checked himself into a rehab facility in 2019 to address his issues with alcoholism. It was during this period that he received a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Harington emphasized, “I realized that my life was hinging on this.”
Harington shared details about his initial rehab experience, mentioning that he entered the facility in an inebriated state but eventually decided it wasn’t the right fit for him. “I sobered up in there and went, ‘F— this, not you guys in a circle. No, thank you,'” he said. It became evident that he needed a more comprehensive approach to address his challenges.
It wasn’t until his second stint in rehab that Harington’s ADHD was diagnosed. Despite initially attempting to handle it independently, he realized the importance of seeking professional support. He acknowledged, “I’ll try to deal with this by myself, which didn’t work after about four years.”
Kit Harington is now on a path to recovery, claiming to be “sober and present.” The actor is focused on his role as a father to his two-year-old son and six-month-old daughter, whom he shares with his Game of Thrones co-star and wife, Rose Leslie. Harington described moments of restlessness when interacting with his children, emphasizing the challenges he faces but also his commitment to being there for them.
Reflecting on his Game of Thrones fame, Harington admitted that trying to maintain a sophisticated and cool image while feeling terrified on the inside was challenging. The actor emphasized the dangers of reading both positive and negative comments online, creating a detrimental impact on his mental well-being.
Kit Harington’s candid revelation sheds light on the hidden struggles that can accompany sudden fame. His journey to recovery serves as a testament to the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental health, even in the face of overwhelming success.
