Tom Rodriguez recalls 'dark' time in his life: 'I thought I was gonna do something to myself that's irreversible'
Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.
Tom Rodriguez, who is back in the Philippines after staying in the United States for two years, opened up about going through a dark time that led him to attempt suicide.
In the March 18 episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the actor expressed pride for himself for overcoming personal challenges and adversities, including a "dark" moment that made him develop suicidal thoughts.
"I don't know if I'm allowed to say, but there were times when it was really dark. I thought I was gonna do something to myself that's irreversible," Tom opened up.
The "King of Talk" asked if he was talking about taking his own life. To which, Tom responded, "I was there, Tito Boy."
"But then a moment, a flash in my mind was, well, what will my nephews think if they go through hardships, though tough times? [If] Tito Thomas was able to do this, I can do it, too," he said.
"And I thought I owe them more than that and I owe my younger self that too that you can go through the hardest, unos, bagyo kahit anong dumaan sa buhay mo, as long as you find that integrity within yourself again, you build that trust within yourself, love for yourself and to those who matter to you, you can get through it. Kayang kaya mo pa rin," he added.
Admitting that his whole life went downhill due to the "wrong battles" and "wrong choices," Tom emphasized that he's not blaming anyone for experiencing hardships in life.
"Whatever happened in my life, I was also complacent in it, and I've taken accountability and responsibility for that, and lahat tayo, may kanya-kanyang battles. Kaya I wouldn't say it's just me. It happens to everyone," he explained.
Tom's manager, Popoy Caritativo, revealed that the actor is back in the country in January this year as he shared a photo of them taken at a restaurant in Mandaluyong City.
Tom, who is an American citizen, revealed he left the Philippines for the United States in March 2022 as he announced his divorce from Carla Abellana in June that year. They got married in October 2021 after a seven-year relationship.
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If you or anyone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users.