Supernatural Star Jared Padalecki On His Commitment to Depression Awareness
Jared’s campaign on depression awareness has drawn a great deal of attention. He continues to give interviews explaining why this cause is so close to his heart.
Jared spoke with Steven Amell, who encouraged Jared to start his campaign, about his fund raiser on Steven’s Facebook (This video does talk about the trajectory of Supernatural this season, very mild spoilers)
In an interview with TWLOHA Jared explains why he chose TWLOHA as the chairity to donate to, how he chose his slogan, and what inspired this campaign. Jared also mentions that Sam has struggled with depression on Supernatural.
Funnily enough, I feel like Sam struggles with the issues of depression and self-doubt. He also has, literally, tried to end his own life. In the Season 8 finale, Dean tells Sam that if he goes through with something then Sam will die, and Sam’s response is, “So?” That was a very powerful moment for me. I read it, and it made me cry literal, actual tears. I knew people who had that feeling. I, personally, had had that feeling. I think Sam understands that the most difficult or scariest fights aren’t the physical ones and that the scariest thing you can encounter is your own mind. Luckily for us (and for me, so that I can still have my job!), Sam has been able to persevere and stick around. But NOT without a little help!
Earlier this year, at the San Francisco convention, Jared at a meet and greet touched the subject of depression. From a report on that convention by Fangasm.
The last thing I’ll share a little about (without any personal details) was a conversation about a much more serious subject – depression and suicide. As a psychologist, it’s a subject that I know is important, and important to talk about, but it’s also difficult. Jared shared his own personal story of loss, and some of the fans in the room did as well. We talked about the powerful and confusing emotions after such a loss, and everyone in the room supported each other. We talked about the struggle many of us have had with depression; Jared shared his own story, and also how he was able to reach out and let himself be helped, and how Jensen was there for him. As hard as that is, it’s what saves people – reaching out and asking for help, and having someone on the other end be willing to give it.
At that same function Jensen also talked about how playing Dean afffected him mentally.
The conversation in Jensen’s meet and greet also touched on depression. A fan asked if there were times that Jensen didn’t like Dean, and he said that last year, Dean was in a very dark place, and it started to get to him. So much so that he called “down south” and said I need to know where the light [at the end of the tunnel] is.
Bob Singer thanked him for calling them and not just keeping it to himself until he had a breakdown on set or something – again that theme of reaching out and telling someone when you’re feeling close to the breaking point.
In an interview with Variety Jared opens up about his own struggles with depression.
And I, in the past, have had my own struggles of not [being] so happy with where I am in life, which is strange and I think it goes to show. … Maybe a lot of people don’t know this, but Season 3, we were shooting an episode, and I went back to my trailer to get changed and just kind of broke down. A doctor came to set and talked to me for about 30 minutes or 45 minutes and said: “Jared, I think you’re clinically depressed. I think I should write you a note and we can shut down production for five days and then we can take it from there.” And it kind of hit me like a sack of bricks. I mean, I was 25 years old. I had my own TV show. I had dogs that I loved and tons of friends and I was getting adoration from fans and I was happy with my work, but I couldn’t figure out what it was; it doesn’t always make sense is my point. It’s not just people who can’t find a job, or can’t fit in in society that struggle with depression sometimes.
Jared is obviously committed to this campaign. I admire him for working to shed light on this issue.
For anyone suffering from depression, I always recommend the Destroy Depression system which just may have saved my life. (link to a review) http://inersche.com/2015/03/13/how-i-overcame-my-depression/. It was written by a man who cured his own depression naturally, and it simply teaches 7 steps which help to eliminate depression from your life.
I think it is awesome of Jared to share his time, energy, star power, and most importantly his own personal story to raise awareness and funds. I think it will really help some people who are struggling with this illness and be an acknowledgment to those that have been touched by it. Thanks Jared!!!!
I’ve noticed Jared is very outspoken. I was amused when he started his Facebook and was sneaking around the set recording videos. It’s great that he pays his blessings forward.
I just got my Represent sweatshirt today. Unfortunately it was timely as a murder/suicide rocked the UCDavis Veterinary world recently. I hope more people take up the cause.
oo maybe I got mine then! I will know when I get home. I know there are delays as apparently there isn’t a long sleeved t-shirt to be got in North America as a result of the success of the campaign… luckily I ordered a different one 😉