Jared Padalecki and his wife (PC: Instagram)
Warning: This article contains references to suicide.
Supernaturals star Jared Padalecki, who has previously spoken out about his struggles with depression, has offered new insight into what it was like for his own struggle to lead him to check into a clinic for preventative help after contemplating suicide. In an exclusive interview with People magazine on the new Tommy Didario podcast, I’ve Never Said This Before, Padalecki is a guest and ready to tell all.
Jared Padalecki reflects on his mental health struggles
It happened in 2015, when the actor was feeling depressed. “I was letting my thoughts take over and I was going to a dramatic, suicidal place,” Padalecki told People magazine. “I called my wife and she said, ‘Go home.'” He took her advice, rushed home and checked himself into a clinic. He swears things have gotten better since then, and the suicidal thoughts haven’t returned, not even for a moment.
Speaking on a podcast with his wife Genevieve, Padalecki explained the downsides of being a big-screen star: In the entertainment industry, when the red carpet is rolled out and interviewers rush to hear from their favorite actors, the star confesses that the only acceptable answer to the question, “Jared, how are you today?” is, “Oh, it’s great! I’m so happy to be here!” All of this prompted him to “completely reset” after years in the spotlight.
Despite the stigma that persists in society, the former Gilmore Girls cast member isn’t ashamed to admit he has mental health issues. “It’s not something I’m ashamed of, like, ‘Hey, I see a therapist, I’ve been to a clinic,’ I’m proud of it. I plaster it on my face and tell everyone,” he said on the podcast.
How is it going?
Although things are much better, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have down times in his life now. Sharing his feelings has helped him a lot. “And my tears aren’t for me. I’m talking to you about this, I’m talking to Gen, I’m talking to my friends, so I know it’s going to be OK,” he added, encouraging others to seek help when they need it.
He first opened up about his struggles in a 2015 interview with Variety, detailing his mental breakdown while filming season three of Supernaturals in 2008. Doctors were called to the set and he was diagnosed with clinical depression.
The CW show Walker, in which Padalecki played Cordell Walker, was canceled after four seasons. The actor addressed the cancellation on his podcast, saying he was sad to hear the news. “I’m OK, I have nothing to be worried about, but I’m very sad about Walker,” he said. [which was canceled]family,” he revealed.
