Emilia Clarke has faced the relatable pressure of fighting through health struggles for the sake of job security. Having survived two brain aneurysms during her time on “Game of Thrones,” she reflected on the stress of returning to work after such traumatic experiences. Clarke expressed her fear of being fired due to her health issues possibly impacting her ability to complete her job, highlighting the impact of insecurities in the workplace following a brain injury.
The first brain aneurysm occurred in 2011, causing Clarke to experience a subarachnoid hemorrhage that led to emergency surgery and a difficult recovery period. Despite being assured by doctors that a smaller aneurysm on the other side of her brain was not an immediate threat, she faced another, more severe aneurysm in 2013. This second aneurysm required a harder recovery process and constant worry about potential cognitive or sensory losses, impacting her physically and emotionally.
In a 2019 essay for The New Yorker titled “A Battle for My Life,” Clarke opened up about her health struggles and recovery process. She described how her experience pushed her into charity work, leading her to start the SameYou foundation that aims to provide treatment for people recovering from brain injuries and stroke. Clarke expressed gratitude for the support she received from her loved ones and dedicated herself to helping others going through similar challenges.
In a June 2024 interview with Big Issue, Clarke shared that her foundation had partnered with Big Issue Recruit to expand its reach in supporting survivors and their families. She emphasized the impact of a chronic condition on one’s confidence and sense of self, particularly in the workplace. Clarke explained the profound loneliness she felt following her brain injury and highlighted the importance of overcoming this isolation through support and understanding.
Clarke’s experiences serve as a reminder of the challenges individuals face when dealing with health struggles while trying to maintain job security. Her journey through two brain aneurysms and subsequent recovery process has inspired her to help others in similar situations, leading her to establish the SameYou foundation. By sharing her story and partnering with organizations to provide support, Clarke is working towards creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for individuals dealing with brain injuries and other health challenges.
