'Game of Thrones' actress Sophie Turner admits to thinking about suicide in Dr. Phil podcast

"Game of Thrones" actress Sophie Turner opened up about her mental health issues in an episode of Dr. Phil's "Phil in the (Blanks)" podcast that was released on Tuesday, revealing that she thought about suicide during the early years of her time on the hit HBO show.

The 23-year-old British actress, who plays Sansa Stark in the medieval fantasy-based show, said she started to experience depression when she was 17 years old. At the time, she was only a few seasons into her role.

"I think it was a combination of social media on the rise at that time and also my friends were going to university," Turner explained. "I was working but I was still living at my parents' house, so I felt really alone."

Though she enjoyed working with her fellow actors, Turner said that she was bullied on social media about her weight, acting and "spotty skin." The criticism made her self-conscious and affected the way she presented herself on camera.

"I'd be concerned about the [camera] angles," Turner said. "I couldn't be true to my character because I was concerned about Sophie."

The actress told Dr. Phil that the only "Game of Thrones" cast member who knew about her struggles at the time was Maisie Williams. Williams, who plays Turner's sibling on the show, is one year younger than her.

"I had no motivation to do anything or go out," Turner added. "Even with my best friends, I wouldn't want to see them or go out and eat with them."

The actress' parents didn't know about her depression until less than a year ago, when they discovered her therapy bills. Turner, who almost lost two friends to suicide, said she used to think a lot about taking her own life when she was younger. Still, she doesn't think she would ever go through with it, she asserted in the podcast.

"Maybe it's just a weird fascination," she confessed.

In 2017, Turner announced her engagement to singer Joe Jonas, whom she credited for putting her life somewhat in perspective for her.

"I don't think I love myself at all but I'm now with someone that makes me realize that I do have some redeeming qualities," she said. "When someone tells you they love you everyday, it makes you think about why that is, and I think that makes you love yourself a bit more."

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The actress said she now tries her best to avoid social media and wants to someday help improve the mental health system in the United Kingdom.

"There just isn't enough quality help over there," she said.