Dwayne Johnson is one of the most successful men in show business. He was a college football player, a superstar wrestler, and now the highest paid movie star in Hollywood. He even contemplated running for President. But that success can hide the mental health battles Johnson has fought. He opened up for the first time about his recurring battle with depression and reminded people that they are not alone.
When a fan recently told him he was suffering from depression, Johnson wrote back: “I hear you. I’ve battled that beast more than once.” But he didn’t detail that struggle until an interview with Express in the United Kingdom.
Johnson detailed the time his mother walked into oncoming traffic in Nashville in an attempt to end her own life. He ran into traffic to pull her back to safety. He was fifteen years old.
Years later, those same demons came for him after numerous injuries ended his dreams of a career in the NFL. After a Canadian football team cut Johnson and his girlfriend broke up with him, Johnson was left broken and alone.
“That was my absolute worst time,” he said.“I reached a point where I didn’t want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly.”
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
Johnson has since healed and suffered additional bouts of depression but carries on, reminding others that even though they feel isolated, they aren’t alone.
If you are suffering from depression or have thought of suicide, please talk to someone. You, truly, are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
