Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has always been known for his endless amounts of energy and positive outlook on life. But in an interview with UK publication, Express, Dwayne shared how he secretly battled with depression.
Growing up in tough circumstances, Dwayne often felt bouts of low mood swings. Then when he was just 15, his mother attempted suicide in front of him after they learnt they had been evicted from their home.
Dwayne told Express,
“She got out of the car on the Interstate 65 in Nashville and walked into oncoming traffic… Big rigs and cars were swerving out the way. I grabbed her and pulled her back on the gravel shoulder of the road.”
After a career at professional football ended because of numerous injuries followed by a relationship breakdown, Dwayne felt like the world was against him.
“Struggle and pain is real. I was devastated and depressed… I reached a point where I didn’t want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly.”
Dwayne’s openness about his mental health has attracted hundreds of responses on his social media.
Got tons of responses to this. Thank you. We all go thru the sludge/shit and depression never discriminates. Took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You’re not alone
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 2, 2018
Many of these responses on Twitter thanked Dwayne for raising awareness and fighting the stigma surrounding mental health. Especially the false belief that you have to be and look ‘sad’ to suffer from depression.
I’m very glad you choose to share this story, raise awareness, & help destigmatize discussions on mental health. I have struggled with depression my whole life and last year sought out and received tremendous assistance in a mental health hospitalization program. Thanks for this.
— Jared Petty (@pettycommajared) April 2, 2018
@TheRock Thank you for talking about depression openly, I know it will help a lot of people to see someone so confident that also had issues with it
myself included
— Lonesamurai 🎮🎙️🖥️🇪🇺 (@RealLonesamurai) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/CJLangdon0574/status/980680818984148993
I’m full of admiration for you, that big strong guy, for standing up and speaking out. Depression touches almost of all of us in some way or other. You’re showing all of us that talking and sharing can save lives. Much love Mr Johnson 🙌🏼
— ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕝 𝕎𝕖𝕤𝕥 🐚 🌊⚓️⛵️🐬🐚🌊 (@MummaWesty) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/danlmantheman/status/980694745184808961
Men also came forward to discuss the stigma surrounding men and mental health.
https://twitter.com/Scriptacist53/status/980694392771088384
In 2000, Dwayne rose to fame as The Rock in WWE before moving into Hollywood. Since then, Dwayne has starred in films like Moana, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Baywatch. His latest film, Rampage will be in cinemas April 12.
If you are seeking support and or information about mental health, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or on their website. You can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or by their website.
