The actor confessed, "I encountered a profoundly dark moment. My mind and thoughts were overwhelming me, dragging me into a vortex of suicidal contemplation." Jared Padalecki candidly revealed his battle with suicidal thoughts, which propelled him to seek treatment at a facility for several weeks in 2015.
During his appearance on "I've Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario," Padalecki sat with his wife, Genevieve, and the host, sharing insights ranging from the recent cancellation of "Walker" to the possibility of a "Supernatural" reboot and his personal mental health journey.
When prompted by Tommy DiDario to share something he's never openly discussed, Padalecki revealed that he had once admitted himself into a clinic during a profoundly distressing phase in his life. "My thoughts were spiraling into depths of suicidal contemplation," he confessed to the host. "I called my wife, and she simply said, 'Come home.' So I did, checked into a clinic for a few weeks, and ever since, those suicidal thoughts have been nonexistent. However, life still has its highs and lows."
"Today is a low," he said, reflecting on the news of "Walker's" cancellation. "I'm okay, nothing to fret about, but I'm deeply saddened for the show and its family. My tears are not for myself. I know I'll be fine because I'm sharing this with you. I've talked to Gen, to my friends."
Padalecki encouraged those struggling with mental health to share their struggles, whether with loved ones or professionals, emphasizing that a temporary low doesn't define one's future. The "Supernatural" star also noted that not everyone needs to resort to a clinic, as he had.
"I needed a complete reset," he admitted. "After 15 years in this industry, I'd often suppress my feelings to fit the mold. Auditions and red carpets didn't invite vulnerability; they wanted enthusiasm and positivity. I'd been doing that for so long, forgetting to prioritize my own well-being."
The "Gilmore Girls" actor emphasized that he's unashamed of his mental health struggles, viewing them as legitimate challenges. At that time, he "needed a surgeon, not in the literal sense, but someone to offer serious help."
Padalecki concluded the segment by acknowledging the difficulty of "Walker's" cancellation but reassuring that he's in a good place with his family and friends. He shared how he's learned to acknowledge and manage his emotions in a healthier way. "I've realized that these feelings and thoughts are real, but they don't define me. They're not permanent. Seeking help and being open have been transformative."
Elsewhere in the conversation, Padalecki addressed the prospect of a "Supernatural" reboot. While The CW currently has no plans to revisit the world of Sam and Dean Winchester, he emphasized his eagerness to reprise the role. "I'm not eager for another 15-year run, but a reboot, akin to the 'Gilmore Girls' revival, would be incredible. Four one-hour episodes, shot in three months. I'm certain I'll put on the flannel again and reprise Sam Winchester."
