NEED TO KNOW
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In my early 20s, during filming «Game of Thrones» and her Broadway debut, Emilia Clarke suffered two brain hemorrhages.
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Clarke co-founded SameYou, a charity that provides mental health support to people with brain injuries.
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Clark says brain injuries can leave long-lasting emotional and physical effects, but recovery and self-confidence are possible.
Emilia Clarke shares her harrowing experience of suffering two brain bleeds that required surgery, and explains why she advocates for mental health support for those affected by brain bleeds.
Actress from «Game of Thrones» stated at the event Variety Power of Women London on Wednesday, June 3, said that suffering a traumatic brain injury can leave a person "convinced they will never be the same again.".
«"For several years, I felt like I'd cheated death and it was just about to catch up with me," said Clark, 39. "I genuinely felt like I'd done something wrong and shouldn't be here. I also thought it had ruined my ability to act—which some might agree with!"»
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, in the first season of Game of Thrones. Photo: HBO
Clarke revealed that her battle with brain hemorrhages began just as her career was taking off thanks to her breakout role as Daenerys Targaryen in «Game of Thrones» .
«"I was 22 when I had my first brain hemorrhage, 24 when I had my second. I was also 22 when I filmed the first season. «Game of Thrones» , and 24 when I made my Broadway debut," she said, referring to her participation in the stage adaptation of "» Breakfast at Tiffany's» .
In 2019, Clarke and her mother, Jenny Clarke, founded the charity SameYou, which develops mental health support for people who have suffered brain haemorrhages. "One in three people will experience a brain injury during their lifetime, whether it's a stroke, a brain haemorrhage, or a traumatic accident," the foundation's website notes. "Despite the scale of the problem, health and social services are struggling to cope with the growing demand.".
Sharing her own experience, she shared that she was so busy with work that she was unable to cope with the trauma she had experienced.
«I never had a chance to process the consequences of two traumatic brain injuries, because I could walk, talk, be myself, remember my lines and returned to filming within a few weeks of both injuries,» the actress from the film « Pony"» .
She said she continued to attribute her extreme symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, anxiety and even bone fractures, to "stress.".
«"Isn't this normal in our image-obsessed industry? Broken rib after filming a sex scene? Well, maybe it was his fault," she said. "But sometimes I even passed out after long night shoots? Pain all over my body? I didn't even think I should investigate.".
Emilia Clarke with her mother, Jennifer Clarke, after she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Photo: Andrew Matthews/POOL/AFP via Getty
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She also spoke about the "extremely complex" nature of brain injuries and how they can impact a person's overall physical and mental health.
«"Because when you think about who you are—your personality, your intelligence, your sense of humor, your memories, your excellent taste—where are they stored? In your mind. And when your mind fails you, it can shake your self-confidence. It can frighten you and convince you that you'll never be the same again," Clarke said. "But we know that self-recovery is possible.".
Read the original article on People.