Sophie Turner is getting candid about mental health issues.
Sophie Turner is getting candid about mental health issues.
The 23-year-old Game of Thrones star was a guest on Dr. Phil's Phil in the Blanks podcast that was released on Tuesday, and shed tears as Dr. Phil praised her for being so open about mental health issues. Turner talked openly about dealing with depression, struggling with facing criticism on social media -- especially when it comes to her weight -- and seeing a therapist.
Turner said she used to believe all the negative things being said about her, and relied on her Game of Thrones co-star, 22-year-old Maisie Williams -- who was also struggling with similar issues -- to cope. She said the two didn't socialize with anyone else in the cast "for years."
"I had no motivation to do anything or go out," she said of how her depression affected her, adding that she had become withdrawn. "Even with my best friends, I wouldn't want to see them... I would cry and cry and cry. Just having to change and put on clothes, I said, 'I can't do this. I can't go outside. I have nothing that I want to do.'"
Turner said that, with the help of a therapist and medication, she's been doing much better. She also praised her fiance, 29-year-old Joe Jonas, for boosting her self-esteem.
"I love myself now, or more than I used to," she noted. "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."
Dr. Phil said Turner had saved "a thousand lives in America" by speaking out about getting help for mental health issues. The actress broke down in tears when Dr. Phil referenced some teenage girls in America committing suicide because of issues like bulling and dealing with low self-esteem.
"People shouldn't be ashamed of it," Turner said, wiping away tears. "So many people are kind of plagued with depression or anxiety or body issues. More people than people realize. If people just opened up to their friends and family, it would be OK. All you have to do is to speak to someone, and you can get the help that you need."
Tuner said she's actually in the middle of taking a break from acting. The British actress has been spending plenty of quality time with Jonas, and her future in-laws -- including actress Priyanka Chopra, who's married to Jonas' younger brother, Nick.
"I actually am still on my break," she said. "I took a break off of work to focus on my mental health, because I thought it was important. So, I'm still on that."
Turner also revealed her surprising other interests besides acting. "I have a real urge to go to the police academy and become a cop," she shared. "I'm fascinated with crime, and why people do things, and the interrogation process, and how you can manipulate your words in order to get someone to confess. That's something that really interests me."
ET recently spoke to Nick Jonas, who raved about his wife's close friendship with Turner.
"It's a great feeling," he said. "I mean, it's kind of a dream where, as close as we are as brothers, that our wives and fiancee are so connected as well."
The singer also admitted that reforming the Jonas Brothers band was "obviously a huge adjustment for everybody," but praised the ladies -- including older brother Kevin Jonas' wife, Danielle -- for being so supportive.
"These incredible women have handled it so well and have been the best support system for each of us, individually and as a group," he noted. "To get to share that with them is a really amazing thing."
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