Brad Pitt Discusses Mental Health and Alcoholism in Recent Interview

Actor Brad Pitt has openly discussed his mental health struggles and battles with alcoholism in a recent interview with Esquire. He acknowledged that he is currently not sober and shared that personal issues related to his family have profoundly impacted his well-being.

Pitt’s comments come after a challenging period following his split from actress Angelina Jolie, which has been marred by public allegations of abuse and a protracted legal dispute over their shared children. The Fight Club star admitted experiencing a brief time of suicidal thoughts, attributing these feelings to what he termed "family stuff."

In his reflections, Pitt stated, "I was never suicidal in any way. It was just not my makeup." He described himself as a "congenital optimist," suggesting that this trait has sometimes led him into challenging situations. Notably, he mentioned the oppressive pain he felt during a particular phase, stating that while he contemplated relief through suicide, he never intended to act on it. He elaborated, "I could feel the cold steel of the bullet in my head, and it felt like relief."

Pitt has been candid about his journey with alcohol, revealing that he had been sober for seven years following his separation from Jolie but has since returned to drinking in moderation. "I got back off the wagon in a more restrained manner," he explained, indicating that he has since tried to approach alcohol differently.

The actor previously spoke about his recovery efforts, including a year and a half in Alcoholics Anonymous, which he credited with aiding his sobriety during a turbulent time in his life. During a speech at the National Board of Review Awards, he thanked fellow actor Bradley Cooper for his support in maintaining his sobriety.

The emotional toll from his split with Jolie, which began with their divorce filing in September 2016, remains evident in Pitt's life. The couple, known for their high-profile romance, were declared legally single in 2019, but have since been engaged in a series of legal battles concerning their children and shared assets, including a vineyard in France.

Their six children have also faced challenges, with several having dropped Pitt's surname or filed requests to do so in recent years. This evolving family dynamic has reportedly affected Pitt's relationship with his children, contributing to his ongoing mental health struggles.

In light of these personal challenges, Pitt is set to appear in the forthcoming film, Heart of the Beast, directed by David Ayer and scheduled for release on 25 September 2026. His last theatrical release was the 2025 film F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski.

In closing, Brad Pitt's revelations underscore the deep complexities of his personal life, illustrating how familial relations and mental health can intersect, drawing attention to critical issues surrounding mental wellness in the public eye, particularly for individuals in the spotlight.