"I completely lost all sense of reality": Behind the scenes of The Traitors, contestants' mental health is taken very seriously

The Traitors needs no introduction. Since it arrived on M6, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, that mix of strategy, bluffing and betrayal that keeps us hooked for weeks on end. But while it’s pure entertainment for us viewers, for the contestants, it’s a whole different ball game. Over the past few days, chatting with some of them and getting the inside scoop, one thing is clear: this season, the pressure has reached unprecedented levels.

A psychologist on set: the game-changing measure

We often imagine reality TV shoots as well-oiled machines, with contestants happily playing along. But The Traitors is a different beast. The format, based on psychological manipulation and constant suspicion, can literally make even the strongest minds unravel. For the first time, the production has decided to tackle the issue head-on by having a psychologist permanently on site. And believe me, this isn't just for show; it's an absolute necessity.

A former contestant from the current season, still visibly affected by the experience, told me: "You don't realise it when you're watching on screen. Within two days, you become paranoid. You no longer know who's lying, who's telling the truth, and you start doubting yourself. I completely lost all sense of reality. It's a mental ordeal. But this time, having a psychologist available, right next to the set, changes everything. You can get things off your chest at 3 a.m., after a tense round table, and it’s a lifesaver."

"I cried for three days": The reality behind the game

We tend to forget that behind the traitors and the faithful, there are real people. And the game pushes them to their limits. A story making the rounds among the technical crew, told by one of the participants who left the adventure, paints a vivid picture. He was in a daze. Not because of his elimination, but because of the relentless atmosphere of mistrust. He admitted to me, his eyes still welling up at the memory: "I cried for three days after I was eliminated. Not out of sadness, but out of relief. It felt like coming out of a psychological war zone."

What struck me about this season is the collective awakening. Production is no longer just filming the breakdowns; they're anticipating them. Players now have dedicated time slots to go and talk, to decompress. This isn't a luxury; it's the cornerstone of the whole operation. Because to play the game, you first need to keep your head together.

Chilling behind-the-scenes confessions

Here’s a quick rundown, without naming names (a contract is a contract), of what comes up in these behind-the-scenes discussions. Contestants describe a shoot that feels more like an anxiety-ridden pressure cooker than a simple competition:

• Loss of time perspective: Filming days are so long and intense that some lose track of what day it is. The game becomes an alternate reality.
• The Traitor syndrome: Those wearing the mask live under constant stress. They have to lie 24/7, and some end up convincing themselves they're the "villains" of the story, which generates a huge amount of guilt.
• Faithfuls in distress: Paradoxically, it's often the "good guys" who crack the most. Their inability to uncover the traitors leads to a feeling of personal failure that can become obsessive.

A success story balanced on a tightrope

What makes The Traitors so compelling is that constant tension. But seeing the production's commitment to the psychological well-being this year, I realise the success hinges on a delicate balancing act. Too much pressure, and the game breaks. Not enough, and we lose authenticity.

So yes, we love watching Eric Antoine conduct his investigations with his usual composure, and we cheer when a traitor is unmasked. But I assure you, when you know what goes on behind the scenes, you watch the contestants with a different eye. You realise they aren't just "players"; they're mental athletes, navigating very treacherous waters for our entertainment.

The good news is, this season, no one is truly sinking. Because even in this grand game of manipulation, production has understood there's a line that shouldn't be crossed. And that, in turn, guarantees us many more seasons of betrayal… safely.