Emilia Clarke, renowned for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Game of Thrones,’ recently shared her personal journey of recovery from two brain hemorrhages she suffered in her twenties. Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women event in London, Clarke, now 39, reflected on the challenges she faced and the long-term effects of her condition.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Clarke first experienced a brain hemorrhage in 2011, followed by a second in 2013. Despite the severity of her condition, she returned to work quickly, often downplaying the lingering symptoms such as extreme fatigue and anxiety. ‘I ignored what was going on with my hormones, or rather my lack of them,’ she admitted, highlighting the complexity of brain injuries and their impact on one’s life.

She recounted her struggles with anxiety and physical pain, attributing them to the demands of her career and the stress of maintaining her public image. It wasn’t until years later that she realized these issues were related to her brain injuries. ‘It never occurred to me that maybe the problem wasn’t me,’ Clarke said, emphasizing the need for greater understanding of brain trauma.

Supporting Others Through SameYou

In response to her experiences, Clarke founded a charity called ‘SameYou,’ aimed at supporting brain injury survivors. The organization seeks to help individuals return to their pre-trauma selves, providing a community for those who feel isolated in their recovery journey. Clarke described the healing process as ‘falling off the edge of a cliff without anyone there to catch you.’

Through her collaboration with neuroscientist David Putrino at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Clarke has regained much of the energy and positivity she had in her twenties. She emphasized the importance of mental resilience, stating, ‘When you think about who you are – your personality, your intellect, your humor, your memories – where do they live? Your mind.’

Clarke’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community and support in overcoming personal challenges. Her efforts through SameYou continue to inspire and provide hope to countless individuals facing similar struggles.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.