“I completely lost my grip”: Behind the scenes of The Traitors, contestants’ mental health taken very seriously

Everyone knows The Traitors by now. Ever since it landed on M6, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, a mix of strategy, bluffing, and betrayal that keeps us glued to our screens for weeks. But while it’s pure entertainment for us viewers, it’s a whole different ball game for the contestants. In recent days, after chatting with a few of them and hearing some behind-the-scenes stories, one thing is clear: this season, the pressure has hit an all-time high.

A psychologist on set: the game-changing move

We often picture reality TV shoots as well-oiled machines, with contestants playing along. But The Traitors is a different beast. The format, built on psychological manipulation and constant suspicion, can literally mess with even the most stable minds. For the first time, the production team has decided to tackle the issue head-on by having a psychologist on site at all times. And believe me, this isn’t just for show—it’s an absolute necessity.

One former contestant from the current season, still visibly affected by the experience, told me: “You don’t realise what it’s like from watching on screen. Within two days, you become paranoid. You can’t tell who’s lying, who’s telling the truth, and you start doubting yourself. I completely lost my grip. It’s a real mental test. But having a psychologist available this time, right next to the set, changes everything. You can unload at 3am after an intense 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 is making the rounds among the crew, told by one of the contestants who left the show. He was in a daze. Not because of his elimination, but because of the constant atmosphere of distrust. He admitted to me, still emotional at the memory: “I cried for three days after I was eliminated. Not out of sadness, but relief. It felt like coming out of a psychological war.”

What struck me about this season is the collective realisation. Production isn’t just filming the tearful breakdowns anymore; they’re anticipating them. Players now have dedicated time slots to go and talk, to recharge. It’s not a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of the whole setup. Because to play the game, you first need to keep your head on straight.

Chilling confessions

Let me give you a quick rundown, without naming names (a contract is a contract), of what’s coming out of the behind-the-scenes chatter. Contestants describe a shoot that feels more like an anxiety-inducing closed environment 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.
• Traitor syndrome: Those wearing the mask are under constant stress. They have to lie 24/7, and some end up convincing themselves they’re the “villains” of the story, which brings on a massive sense of guilt.
• Distressed faithfuls: Paradoxically, it’s often the “good guys” who crack the most. Their inability to uncover the traitors makes them feel like personal failures, and it can become an obsession.

A success hanging by a thread

What makes The Traitors so compelling is that constant tension. But seeing the production’s commitment to the psychological aspect this year, I realise its success depends on a delicate balancing act. Too much pressure, and the game falls apart. Too little, and you lose authenticity.

So yes, we love watching Eric Antoine conduct his investigations with his usual calm, and we cheer when a traitor gets exposed. But trust me, when you know what goes on behind the scenes, you see the contestants in a different light. You realise they’re not just “players”; they’re mental athletes, navigating very murky 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 you don’t cross. And that ensures we can enjoy many more seasons of betrayals… safely.