In the mid-1990s, Angelina Jolie, then a young actress grappling with severe emotional distress and depression, made a shocking decision that has since become a bizarre footnote in her storied life. At just 22, Jolie, overwhelmed by her feelings, sought an unconventional exit strategy from her pain. In an interview, she revealed hiring a hitman to end her life, believing that her death being perceived as a murder might spare her family the additional pain and stigma associated with suicide.
This alarming decision arose not from a moment of peril but from a period of profound personal turmoil. Jolie's rationale reflects the depth of her despair at the time—a despair so deep that she felt her death would be inevitable. The hitman, however, responded unexpectedly. Instead of swiftly executing the contract, he proposed a pause, advising her to reconsider her decision over the next two months before making a final call. This response was not just a delay but a lifeline, as it offered Jolie much-needed time to rethink her decision and seek help.
During those two months, Jolie's life did not immediately change, but the delay allowed her to reflect on her choices and the implications of her intended plan. This period also underscored the importance of mental health support and the unpredictable ways in which it can arrive. Jolie's encounter with the hitman—dubious as it was—ultimately led her to abandon her plan for suicide, choosing instead to confront her struggles with life.
Angelina Jolie's experience highlights the complex interplay between mental health issues and the influences of societal perceptions of suicide and murder. It underscores the need for robust support systems and accessible mental health resources for those in crisis. Jolie's subsequent advocacy for humanitarian causes and mental health speaks to her journey from that pivotal moment, emphasizing resilience and the possibility of recovery even from the depths of despair.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the critical role that unconventional moments of intervention, whether through professional mental health support or unexpected sources, can play in preserving life. It also serves as an important message about the necessity of treating mental health with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health. Jolie's transformation from a young woman in crisis to a global advocate for human rights and mental health is not just a testament to her personal strength but also a call to action to address the mental health crisis more openly and effectively.
