Brad Pitt details suicidal thoughts after estrangement from Angelina Jolie and kids

It's a chilly Los Angeles morning when Brad Pitt shares with Esquire the darkest period of his life, a time when he felt suicidal. The 62-year-old actor, known for his role in Fight Club, had just been through a grueling decade of estrangement from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie and their six children. Pitt's voice trembles as he recounts the overwhelming pain he experienced, a pain so oppressive it made him contemplate taking his own life.

Pitt's six children, Maddox, 25, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and 18-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, were the light of his life. However, after his estrangement from Jolie in 2016, Pitt's relationship with them became strained. The alleged abusive incident on a private jet, which Jolie claimed led to Pitt choking one of the children and striking another in the face, further exacerbated the tension. The FBI investigation, although thorough, ultimately failed to bring charges against Pitt. The uncertainty and turmoil surrounding his family life left Pitt feeling hopeless.

Pitt's candid interview with Esquire offers a glimpse into his troubled mind during that period. He describes the pain as "so oppressive" that it made him feel the "cold steel of the bullet in his head, and it felt like relief." The Oscar winner's words are laced with a sense of desperation, a cry for help from someone who felt like he was losing his grip on life. Pitt's comment about his "incredible survival instincts" kicking in is evidence of his resilience, but it also highlights the fragility of his mental state during that time.

Pitt's journey towards recovery began with his acknowledgment of the pain he was experiencing. He refused to act on his suicidal thoughts, choosing instead to seek help and support. The former couple was declared legally single in 2019, marking a significant step towards healing. However, it wasn't until December 2024 that they finally settled their divorce, bringing closure to a decade-long ordeal.

Pitt's children, who have all begun changing their names to Jolie instead of Pitt, are evidence of the lasting impact of their parents' estrangement. The 18-year-old twins, Vivienne and Knox, are among the youngest to make the change. As Pitt navigates his new life, he must also come to terms with the fact that his children are growing up without him.

As Pitt continues to rebuild his life, he must confront the demons that haunted him during that darkest period. His interview with Esquire serves as a reminder that even the strongest among us can be vulnerable to mental health struggles. With his incredible survival instincts and a newfound sense of hope, Pitt is taking the first steps towards healing and rebuilding his life. As he looks to the future, Pitt's story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even in the darkest of times.

Pitt's openness about his suicidal thoughts is evidence of his strength, but it also highlights the importance of mental health awareness. As a society, we must continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive environment for those who are struggling. By doing so, we can help individuals like Pitt find the relief they so desperately need.