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The darkest thought that plagued Jada Pinkett Smith during her struggle with depression.

 

Content warning: this post discusses suicide and may be disturbing for some readers.  

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith is not afraid to open up about her personal life – from her sex life to her family life, nothing is off limits.

And now, the 46-year-old actress has spoken about her struggles with mental health.

Written in light of the recent tragic deaths of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, Jada shared her experiences with depression on Instagram yesterday, reminding her followers that mental health should be a daily practice.

“One thing I’ve learned in my life over the years is that mental health is something we should practice daily, not just when issues arise,” Jada captioned a photo of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade.

“We should take care of our mind and spirit in the same way we do our body,” she wrote.

Jade also revealed that she has contemplated suicide ‘often’, writing, “with the suicides of Kate and Anthony it brought up feelings of when I was in such despair and had considered the same demise…often.”

One thing I’ve learned in my life over the years is that mental health is something we should practice daily, not just when issues arise. We should take care of our mind and spirit in the same way we do our body. With the suicides of Kate and Anthony it brought up feelings of when I was in such despair and had considered the same demise…often. In the years I spent towards my healing, many moons ago, I realized the mind and heart can be extremely delicate without the foundation of a formidable spirit. What I eat, what I watch on TV, what music I listen to, how I care for my body, my spiritual practice, what people I surround myself with, the amount of stress I allow and so on… either contribute to or deteriorate my mental health. Mental health is a daily practice for me. It’s a practice of deep self-love. May Kate and Anthony Rest In Peace. Many may not understand… but I do, and this morning I have the deepest gratitude that I pulled through. . Love.

A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith) on

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She also wrote about how certain aspects of life can impact overall mental health and wellbeing.

“In the years I spent towards my healing, many moons ago, I realised the mind and heart can be extremely delicate without the foundation of a formidable spirit,” she added.

“What I eat, what I watch on TV, what music I listen to, how I care for my body, my spiritual practice, what people I surround myself with, the amount of stress I allow and so on… either contribute to or deteriorate my mental health.”

Jada concluded the post with a message for Kate and Anthony: “May Kate and Anthony Rest In Peace. Many may not understand… but I do, and this morning I have the deepest gratitude that I pulled through.”

55-year-old fashion designer Kate Spade passed away in her New York City apartment last Tuesday.

Days later, celebrity chef and Parts Unknown TV host, Anthony Bourdain, 55, was found dead in his hotel room in France.

Their deaths have launched a worldwide discussion on mental health and suicide prevention.

If you are in crisis or need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.