Dwayne Johnson’s fight with depression: 'The saving grace for me has really been my daughters'

Dwayne Johnson, universally known as 'The Rock,' recently bared his soul about his battle with depression on "The Pivot" podcast. Johnson revealed that he has grappled with "three bouts of depression" throughout his life.

Johnson's first encounter with the mental health issue took place during his time at the University of Miami, where he was an ambitious young football player with dreams of making it to the NFL. However, an unexpected shoulder injury led to the end of his football career and sent him spiraling into a period of depression.

Unfamiliar with the concept of mental health at that time, Johnson described, "I didn't know what mental health was. I didn't know what depression was. I just knew I didn't want to be there." Consequently, Johnson left school, skipped team meetings, and decided to venture into the wrestling world, following in his father's footsteps.

Reflecting on this difficult period, Johnson said, "Me playing in the NFL wound up being the best thing that never happened to me. Because it really helped shape and inform who I am." However, he acknowledged that he faced other depressive episodes later in life, especially during his divorce.

Fast forward to 2017, and Johnson faced another bout of depression, but this time he was equipped with knowledge of what he was dealing with and had a support network to lean on. "Luckily, at that time, I had some friends I could lean on and say, ‘Hey, I feel a little wobbly now. I got a little struggle happening," he shared.

The globally recognized actor underscored the vital importance of friendship, particularly with his co-star Kevin Hart. Beyond friendship, Johnson's daughters, Simone Garcia Johnson, Jasmine Johnson, and Tiana Gia Johnson, are credited as his saving grace. "That’s been the saving grace because you look at them, and you realize, really, this is what it’s all about," said the star of "Young Rock."

Johnson also took to social media to share excerpts from the podcast, encouraging people to seek help if they're struggling with mental health issues. "Having the courage to talk to someone is your superpower," Johnson wrote, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles.