Jared Padalecki Reveals He Struggled With Suicidal Thoughts as Acting Pressures Took Toll

Jared Padalecki
Emma McIntyre / Getty Images

Jared Padalecki is opening up about a very difficult moment from his recent past. In a preview clip from Tuesday’s (June 25) episode of the podcast I’ve Never Said This Before, the Supernatural star talked about checking himself into a clinic due to suicidal ideations sometime in 2015.

The clip, which is previewed exclusively at People, features the actor alongside his wife Genevieve Padalecki, as he explained, “I had a really low moment. I was letting my thoughts take over and going to places of dramatic suicidal ideation. I called my wife and she said, ‘Get home’… I got home, went to a clinic for a couple of weeks and looked into it and haven’t been suicidal since — not for a moment.”

Padalecki went on to explain that the cause of his distress had to do with the professional side of his life, as he had to put on a front during auditions and other engagements: “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,” the actor explained.

He added that he had become more adjusted to the “highs and lows” of the industry, including, most recently, the cancellation of his Western drama series Walker by The CW.

“I have a lot of sadness about Walker, the family,” he said. “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.”




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  1. J

    Jena

    I imagine all those interviews that actors have to do (to promote their shows/movies) do take a lot out of a person, as the actor has to be "on" all the time, and be upbeat and fun and optimistic. I know, I know, they choose to be actors, so they can quit doing that stuff at any time. But a lot of actors (and the Supernatural team, especially) feel that they owe their fans their best effort, and give that best effort every time they're seen in public. In other words, it must be difficult for them to be "on" as often as they need to be, and if someone already has a few self-doubts or is feeling low, it must weigh pretty heavily. In any case, I'm glad Jared is in a better place now and knows he has the support of family, friends, and fans. (I'm not a big fan of Walker, but I do wish him well in future endeavors.)

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