BRAD PITT DESCRIBES SUICIDAL PERIOD DURING FAMILY DIFFICULTIES

Brad Pitt has disclosed that he experienced suicidal thoughts during what he characterised as "one little period" when he felt unable to find a way forward. The actor described the pain as "so oppressive" that he experienced intrusive thoughts about self-harm, though he stated he did not act on these thoughts and that his survival instinct "immediately kicked in". When asked what triggered these feelings, Pitt attributed them to "family stuff" and declined to provide further detail.

Pitt's admission emerges several years after his 2016 separation from Angelina Jolie, with whom he shares six children. The couple had married in 2014 after meeting on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith in 2005. Their split followed an incident on a private plane; Jolie alleged Pitt became physically abusive towards her and their children, who were aged between eight and 15 at the time. Pitt has denied the allegations and was cleared of all charges following an FBI investigation. In recent months, several of their children have changed their surnames from Pitt to Jolie.

Pitt characterised himself as "a congenital optimist" in the wider interview, noting that this outlook has both helped and hindered him throughout his life. He reflected on his experience of suicidal ideation as an attempt to find relief from psychological pain rather than as a desire to die. The disclosure represents a rare public statement from the actor on mental health struggles.