Supernatural star Jared Padalecki revealed in a new podcast interview that he onced checked into a mental health clinic for “a full reset” after experiencing “dramatic suicidal ideation” in 2015.
Padalecki made the revelation alongside his wife, Genevieve, during a joint interview on the June 25 episode of Tommy DiDario’s I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, previewed exclusively by People. "It was 2015, I had a really low moment,” Padalecki said. “I was letting my thoughts take over and going to places of dramatic suicidal ideation. I called my wife and she said, ‘Get home.’”
Padalecki said much of his mental anguish had to do with Hollywood not prioritizing, or even being interested in, conversations surrounding mental health.
“I needed a full reset,” the 41-year-old explained. “I had spent 15 years in this industry. You go to an audition or on a red carpet and they don’t want, ‘Jared, how are you doing today?’ ‘Oh today was rough, I didn’t sleep.’ They want, ‘Oh it’s great! Excited to be here!’ So I had done that for so long, trying to focus on what’s best for the person who’s talking to me as opposed to just being honest.”
“So, I got home, went to a clinic for a couple weeks and looked into it and haven’t been suicidal since—not for a moment,” Padalecki proudly stated.
“I don’t wear it as a scarlet letter,” he said of seeking intervention. “It’s not like I’m shameful like, 'Hey, I see a therapist, I've been to a clinic'. I wear it proudly. I put it on my face and tell everybody. If you’re not in a situation where you need that degree of help then don’t seek it. I needed a surgeon—not literally—but I needed it and here I am.”
Padalecki admitted that he still struggles with depression and anxiety, especially in the wake of his show Walker being canceled, but the feelings aren’t anywhere near as pervasive or powerful as they used to be.
“You’re a human, I’m a human. There are still highs and lows. And today’s a low,” he said on the podcast. “I’m fine, nothing to worry about, but I have a lot of sadness about Walker … Today’s a hard day. It's been a hard month since we found out, but I’m in a great place with my wife, our children, my friends, my family.”
Padalecki continued: “And my tears aren't for myself. 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.
He implored listeners to share their own feelings, and find someone who they feel comfortable opening up to. “Please be open, please share, please find somebody whether it’s a friend or professional. Speak the truth,” Padalecki said. “Seek help, open up.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org.
