Game of Thrones author George RR Martin reveals he battled depression, sadness: ‘I have lost friends…’
Game of Thrones author George RR Martin talked about his mental health in his blog. He shared that he has been overwhelmed lately.
George RR Martin, the author of the hit Game of Thrones book series, opened up about his mental health and revealed that he has been struggling with sadness and depression. He shared that he’s pulled back from updating fans via his blog as 'so much has been' going on in his life.
Game of Thrones author on mental health
Opening up about himself, Martin took to his blog this week, titled "Better Late Than Never." He wrote, "So much has been happening, it’s been overwhelming. Some great things, exciting things. Dreams coming true. But there have been nightmares too. I have lost friends. Battled sadness and depression.”
This was the first time that George RR Martin shared an update on his blog since February 19. In the latest post, he also thanked his "great staff of assistants" who supported him, preventing him from "falling further and further behind."
Backlash from fans
In the past, the author has been criticised by readers over the delay in the publication of the sixth Game of Thrones book, The Winds of Winter. Responding to it, Martin had written in May 2025 that he “ought to get some other writer to pinch hit for me… I am going to die soon anyway, because I am so old. I lost all interest in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ decades ago. I don’t give a s--- about writing any longer, I just sit around and spend my money.”
In his new post, he talked about growing old and added, "The worst may be yet to come. I turned seventy-seven last September, and I tell you, getting old is no fun.”
He also shared with fans that the combination of age and depression could mean that his “posts are likely to [be] short and rushed” going forward, as his “minions” may help him more.
Emmy Awards 2026
Sharing more about how the year has been so far for him, Martin mentioned the nine Emmy nods for his A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO Max.
For the unversed, George RR Martin received four Emmys as co-executive producer for Game of Thrones. The show previously won Emmys for outstanding drama series in 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015.
This year’s Emmy Awards is scheduled to take place on Sept 14 in Los Angeles.
“I hope to attend...” Martin said about his attendance, adding, “but that depends on... well, on a lot of things.”