If any one actor out there now is larger than life, it’s Dwayne Johnson. The “Black Adam” and “Fast and Furious” actor is known for his hard work ethic, insane fitness regime and blockbuster films.
Recently though, he also spoke about something else he’s dealt with his whole life – bouts of depression. During an appearance on The Pivot podcast, he spoke about the times he mentally started to spiral in his life.
He says his first experience was when he was at the University of Miami and injured his shoulder, which prevented him from playing football. As an athlete, it made what he was going through tougher and he said he left school due to it: “At that time, is I just didn’t know what it was. I didn’t know what mental health was. I didn’t know what depression was.”
Then years later, he experienced it again whilst going through a divorce. At that time, he still “didn’t know what it was”. When it hit another time in 2017, this time he recognised it and “had some friends who I could lean on” which helped him.
He says the saving grace for him was his three daughters: “You look at them, and you realize, ‘Well, I mean, really, this is what it’s all about.’” In an Instagram post for the episode, he explained he has gained emotional tools throughout the years to help him cope:
“As men, we didn’t talk about it. We just kept our head down and worked thru it. Not healthy, but it’s all we knew. If you’re going thru your own version of mental wellness turning into mental hell-ness, the most important thing you can do is talk to somebody.
It can’t be fixed if you keep that pain inside. Having the courage to talk to someone is your superpower. I lost two friends to suicide. Talk to someone. Despite how you may feel, you’re never alone.”
Johnson recently filmed the action-comedy “Red One” alongside Chris Evans. He has a “Red Notice” sequel and a reimagining of “Big Trouble in Little China” on the way.
Source : https://www.darkhorizons.com/dwayne-johnson-talks-depression-battles/