Jared Padalecki reveals he checked into clinic for 'suicidal ideation' (2024)

Jared Padalecki has revealed he checked into a mental health clinic in 2015 after suffering 'suicidal ideation.'

The 41-year-old Supernatural alum — whose series Walker was canceled in May — said he reached a 'dark place' during an interview on Tommy DiDario's I've Never Said This Before podcast, per People.

'It was 2015, I had a really low moment,' the actor admitted, alongside wife Genevieve Padalecki. 'I was letting my thoughts take over and going to places of dramatic suicidal ideation.'

'I called my wife and she said, "Get home,"' he continued. 'And 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.'

Jared went on to say that he reached a 'dark place' at the time where he genuinely needed help.

'I needed a full reset,' he 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.'

He also said that he doesn't view seeking help as a 'scarlet letter'; rather, he's empowered to embrace it with pride.

'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.'

While acknowledging ongoing ups and downs in his mental health journey, the star shared that having supportive people in his life has been crucial in his recovery, and he encourages others to seek similar support.

'You’re a human, I’m a human. There are still highs and lows. And today’s a low,' he shared, starting to tear up, per the outlet. 'I’m fine, nothing to worry about but I have a lot of sadness about Walker[being canceled], the family.

'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 continued. 'Please be open, please share, please find somebody whether it’s a friend or professional. Speak the truth.'

He concluded: 'Today’s a hard day. It's been a hard month since we found out [about Walker cancellation], but I’m in a great place with my wife, our children, my friends, my family. Seek help, open up.'

In May, Jared confirmed the Walker news by sharing a photo on his Instagram account, in which he showed off one his character Cordell Walker's hats.

The star penned a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for the unwavering support shown by fans throughout the series' duration.

'It's a tough piece of news to be sure, but we are SO thankful for the #WalkerFamily that has been built, both on set and off,' he wrote.

The performer continued, expressing that he and the program's cast and crew would always cherish the love they received from the show's fanbase, remaining 'forever grateful.'

'It has been a unique honor to be a part of the cast and crew (and fandom!) that helped #Walker tell the stories that we told. I will forever smile on the years I got to spend with the cast and crew and studio and network and fandom that made this all possible,' he wrote.

Walker served as a reboot ofWalker, Texas Ranger, which starred Chuck Norris and ran from 1993 until 2001.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.