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Who Is Kit Harington?
Kit Harington, whose full name is Christopher Catesby Harington, is an English actor best known for his acclaimed role as Jon Snow on the world-renowned series, Game of Thrones. The series, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, and Harington, like his castmates, shot to fame as the show gained popularity.
Harington got his start on Game of Thrones but has since clinched other roles in films like Pompeii (2014), The Death & Life of John F. Donavan (2018) and the upcoming Eternals (2021). Growing up on the screen is a unique experience that can be challenging for actors, and Harington is the first to admit that navigating his 20s with the world watching had its pressures.
So what sent the actor known as fan-favorite Jon Snow to rehab? Reps for Kit cite self-care and making his wellness a priority as the primary reasons for his stint in a luxury rehab facility in 2019.
What Prompted Kit Harington’s Rehab Stay?
There’s an unfortunate stigma surrounding wellness clinics and treatment centers that sometimes prevents people from seeking the help they need. At FHE Health, we offer inpatient and outpatient care services, along with treatment plans to help you get back on your feet. The message that needs to be widely shared is that there shouldn’t be a negative connotation surrounding visiting a rehab center.
Representatives for Kit Harington cited his decision to visit rehab in 2019 before the air date of the Game of Thrones finale as a chance for him to rest and get some peace and quiet. There have also been rumors that the treatment was to help with alcohol addiction after it was noted that Kit drank only nonalcoholic beers during his week hosting SNL in April 2019.
Harington himself told Variety in 2019 just how intense being a lead on the show was for him, especially when his character’s arc became a season-end cliffhanger. “My darkest period was when the show seemed to become so much about Jon when he died and came back,” Kit said. “I really didn’t like the focus of the whole show coming onto Jon.”
While 72% of Americans who deal with anxiety and stress daily say it interferes with their lives at least moderately, it’s safe to say that being in the public eye takes workplace stress to another level. The stress of the fandom, along with the show coming to an end in 2019, apparently left Harington in a bad headspace, for which he determined he needed help.
Talking to Professionals Can Help
When Game of Thrones’ focus shifted heavily onto Harington’s character of Jon Snow toward the end of Season 5, it’s understandable that the scrutiny from fans across the globe became a source of stress for Kit.
“When you become the cliffhanger of a TV show, and a TV show probably at the height of its power, the focus on you is f—–g terrifying,” Harington told Variety. “That was a time when I started therapy and started talking to people. I had felt very unsafe, and I wasn’t talking to anyone.”
Knowing the value of therapy seemingly led Harington to check himself into a luxury rehab facility in 2019 ahead of the series finale airing to get some clarity, peace, and ultimately focus on his mental health.
The primary reason for his rehab visit seems to be coming to terms with Game of Thrones ending, as it was such a significant part of his life. Harington has said that the end of the series hit him hard, and leaving it behind led to anxiety, panic attacks and feelings of listlessness.
In an interview with Esquire in April 2019, Kit shared, “My final day of shooting, I felt fine… I felt fine… I felt fine… then I went to do my last shots and started hyperventilating a bit. Then they called ‘wrap’ and I just f—-g broke down. It was this onslaught of relief and grief about not being able to do this again.”
What Fans Can Learn From Jon Snow in Rehab
While the global spotlight and the associated pressures took a toll on Kit Harington’s mental health, his choices in prioritizing his well-being by seeking treatment make him a true role model for his fans. The message that you don’t need to have a substance abuse problem to visit a rehab center is an important one because there are many other reasons a person might benefit from spending time in a care facility.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, acupuncture, yoga and meditation are all options that exist within a rehab center like FHE Health that can benefit almost everyone. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, fighting an uphill battle with work stress or experiencing depression, taking time to reflect on what services might be useful to you is an important step to improving your quality of life.
While Kit Harington hasn’t publicly confirmed whether alcohol was part of the reason he visited rehab, programs like Sober Skills can also help get you back on track when dealing with alcohol abuse. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Accepting treatment is a courageous choice your true friends and loved ones will always support. Kit’s wife, Rose Leslie, whom he met on Game of Thrones, has been a supporter of Harington throughout his treatment and recovery process, understanding that he needed to take time away to care for himself.
The Road to Recovery
Kit Harington taking charge of his mental health and knowing when to seek treatment is an example worth following. If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, workplace stress interfering with your daily life or other mental health conditions, you’re not alone. At FHE Health, we offer mental health care and onsite psychiatric care along with other treatment programs. If rehab sounds right for you, call us today at (833) 596-3502 to find out more.
