Jared Padalecki Opens Up About Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
Jared Padalecki, known for his roles in Supernatural and CW’s Walker, bravely shared his ongoing battle with mental health issues in a recent interview on the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast by PEOPLE magazine. Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.
Turning Point: Seeking Help During Dark Times
Reflecting on a challenging period in 2015, Padalecki recounted grappling with severe depression and experiencing intense suicidal thoughts. “I was letting my thoughts take over and going to places of dramatic suicidal ideation,” he revealed during the podcast. The turning point came when he reached out to his wife, Genevieve, who urged him to come home immediately. Following her advice, he checked into a clinic for the support and care he needed.
Recovery and Support: How Open Conversations Helped
Padalecki emphasized that since seeking help, he hasn’t experienced those dark feelings again. “Things have gotten better,” he affirmed, crediting open conversations and his support system for his progress. “My tears aren’t for myself,” he shared, “I know I’ll be fine because I’m talking to you about it, I talk to Gen about it, I talk to my friends about it.”
Challenges of Fame and Public Persona
Discussing the pressures of fame and the demands of being in the spotlight, Padalecki acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a public persona. “In the entertainment industry, the only accepted answer is always, ‘Oh, it’s great! Excited to be here!’” he explained. This constant pressure prompted him to take a “full reset” after years of navigating the highs and lows of stardom.
Advocating for Mental Health Awareness
Despite the lingering stigma surrounding mental health, Padalecki has chosen to be vocal about his journey. “It’s not shameful to say, ‘Hey, I see a therapist, I’ve been to a clinic.’ I wear it proudly,” he declared during the podcast, advocating for openness and seeking help when needed.
Reflecting on Past Struggles and Recent Career Changes
This isn’t the first time Padalecki has spoken publicly about his mental health struggles. In 2015, he candidly discussed a breakdown he experienced while filming Supernatural in 2008, which led to a clinical depression diagnosis.
Recently, Padalecki also addressed the cancellation of CW’s Walker after four seasons, expressing his sadness about the show’s end. “I’m fine, nothing to worry about, but I have a lot of sadness about Walker,” he shared on the podcast, highlighting the emotional impact of the news on him and the show’s dedicated fanbase.
Jared Padalecki’s Ongoing Journey: Inspiring Others
As Padalecki continues to navigate his career and personal life, his openness about mental health serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking support and sharing one’s struggles. His story resonates with many, offering hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges.
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