Supernatural star Jared Padalecki reveals he secretly checked into a clinic for ‘suicidal ideation’ in 2015: ‘I needed a full reset’

Jared Padalecki has revealed that he checked himself into a mental health clinic in 2015 after having “suicidal thoughts.”

The 41-year-old Supernatural alum — whose series Walker was canceled in May — said he had 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 with his wife Genevieve Padalecki. “I let my thoughts take over and I went to places with dramatic thoughts of suicide.”

“I called my wife and she said, ‘Go home,’” he continued. “And so I came home, went to a clinic for a few weeks and checked it out and haven’t committed suicide since — not for a moment.”

Jared went on to say that at that point he had reached a “dark place” where he really needed help.

The actor revealed that he once sought treatment for “suicidal ideation” during his upcoming appearance on Tommy DiDario’s I’ve Never Said This Before podcast with his wife Genevieve Padalecki.

“I needed a complete reset,” he explained. “I had spent fifteen years in this industry. You go to an audition or on the red carpet and they don’t want, “Jared, how are you today?” “Oh today was rough, I didn’t sleep.” They want, “Oh, it’s great! Excited to be here!”

“So I’ve done that for so long, trying to focus on what’s best for the person I’m talking to, rather than just being honest.”

He also said he doesn’t view seeking help as a “scarlet letter”; rather, he has the strength to embrace it with pride.

‘It’s not like I’m ashamed and say, “Hey, I’m seeing a therapist, I’ve been to a clinic.” I wear it with pride. I put it on my face and tell everyone. If you are not in a situation where you need that level of help, don’t seek it. I needed a surgeon – not literally – but I needed him and here I am.”

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

‘You are human, I am human. There are still highs and lows. And today is the low point,” he shared as he burst into tears, the newspaper reported. ‘I’m doing well, I don’t have to worry about anything, but I’m very sad for Walker[being canceled]the family.

‘And my tears are not for myself. “I know I’m doing okay because I talk 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 someone, whether a friend or a professional. Speak the truth.’

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

In May, Jared confirmed the Walker news by sharing a photo to his Instagram account, showing off his character Cordell Walker’s hats.

The star wrote a heartfelt statement expressing his gratitude for the continued support from fans throughout the series.

“It was 2015, I had a really low moment,” the actor admitted with his wife Genevieve Padalecki. ‘I let my thoughts take over and went to places with dramatic thoughts of suicide’; (photo 2019)

“I called my wife and she said, ‘Go home,’” he continued. ‘And so I came home, went to a clinic for a few weeks and checked it out and haven’t been suicidal since – not a moment’

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

‘You are human, I am human. There are still highs and lows. And today is the low point,” he shared as he burst into tears, the newspaper reported. ‘I’m doing well, I don’t have to worry about anything, but I’m very sad for Walker[being canceled]the family.’

In May, Jared confirmed the Walker news by sharing a photo on his Instagram account, showing off his character Cordell Walker’s hats.

“It’s certainly tough news, but we are SO grateful for the #WalkerFamily that has been built, both on and off set,” he wrote.

The artist continued, saying that he and the show’s cast and crew would always cherish the love they received from the show’s fanbase, and would remain “forever grateful.”

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

Walker served as a reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger, starring Chuck Norris and running from 1993 to 2001.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, text ‘STRENGTH’ to the Crisis Text Line on 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org.