Brad Pitt is opening up about one of the darkest periods of his life. In a new interview, the actor said he has always been an optimist but admitted there was a brief time when emotional pain became so overwhelming that he finally understood why some people see suicide as a way to escape suffering. He stressed that he was never planning to act on those thoughts and said the difficult period was connected to "family stuff." While Pitt didn't elaborate, the comments come as he remains estranged from several of the six children he shares with Angelina Jolie. He also reflected on the death of his mother, saying grief leaves a "gaping hole" but can also reveal moments of beauty. Pitt revealed he stayed sober for seven years after joining Alcoholics Anonymous following his divorce. He now drinks occasionally but says he's learned moderation is key because alcohol isn't good for him in large amounts. Despite the personal struggles, Pitt says he's focused on the future and grateful for the life and career he has today.