Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Opens Up About Battle With Depression, Thanks Fans For Support
"I reached a point where I didn't want to do a thing or go anywhere."
Legendary wrestler and most lucrative star in all of Hollywood, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, has this weekend opened up about his past battles with depression, leading to an overwhelming outpouring of support from his fans across the world.
Speaking with The Express, the former WWE champion disclosed that he struggled with mental illness after failing to make the cut in the Canadian Football League and subsequently breaking up with his girlfriend. "That was my absolute worst time," the global icon revealed.
Johnson spoke candidly about witnessing a suicide attempt by his mother when he was just 15, admitting that he could have fallen into the same crisis had he not found the strength to persist during his darkest days.
"We both healed, but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain," he said.
Since the revelations were made public, swathes of fans have reached out in support of the A-lister. Johnson was quick to show his gratitude on Twitter earlier this Monday: "Got tonnes of responses to this. Thank you.
"Took me a long time to realise it but the key is not to be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You're not alone."
This is the first time The Rock has spoke directly about his troubles with depression, though he has alluded to them in the past. Recently, when a fan confided in Johnson about his own mental health problems, the Samoan responded: "I hear you. I've battled that beast more than once."
Approximately one in four people in the UK experience mental health problems each year, with around 30% of the population suffering depression. If you're currently affected by suicidal thoughts or depression, help is available. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. Confidential support is also available from the NHS, Mind and the Mental Health Foundation.