Dwayne Johnson: Opening Up About His Battles with Depression and the Power of Support

In his recent interview on the "Pivot Podcast," Dwayne Johnson revealed that his first experience with depression came during his time as a student at the University of Miami. Unaware of what he was going through at the time, he found himself lacking motivation and ultimately decided to leave the university.

Johnson reflected on this period, expressing his limited understanding of mental health, saying:

"I didn't know what mental health was. I had a strong intuition that I didn't belong there anymore."

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Dwayne Johnson's Personal Struggles: Opening Up About Depression

While Dwayne Johnson acknowledges the vital support from his friends and loved ones, he attributes his three daughters—Ava Raine, Jasmine Johnson, and Tia Johnson—as his primary wellspring of resilience and inspiration. (Image via Getty Images)

The charismatic actor also spoke about a subsequent battle with depression during his divorce from his first wife, Dany Garcia. Despite going through these challenging times, Johnson remained unaware of the underlying mental health issues he was facing.

It wasn't until 2017 that he began to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, thanks to a deeper understanding of mental health.

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The Power of Support: Friends and Loved Ones

During his bouts with depression, Dwayne Johnson found solace and strength in the unwavering support of his friends and loved ones. He described his changing emotional state to them, expressing that he felt "a little wobbly" and saw "a little gray instead of the blue."

Their presence played a vital role in his recovery, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support network when facing mental health challenges.

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The Saving Grace: Daughters as a Source of Strength

While friends and loved ones provided essential support, Dwayne Johnson credits his three daughters—Ava Raine, Jasmine Johnson, and Tia Johnson—as his ultimate source of strength.

Being a father, particularly a "girl dad," gave him a profound sense of purpose and redefined the meaning of life for him. Reflecting on their significance, Johnson shared:

"The saving grace for me has really been my daughters. When I look at them, I truly understand that this is the essence of life."

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Advocating for Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

In addition to sharing a clip from his interview, Dwayne Johnson took to the caption to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly among men.

He emphasized the importance of seeking help and talking to someone about our inner battles, stating:

"Having the courage to talk to someone is your superpower."

Johnson's openness and advocacy aim to break down the barriers surrounding mental health and provide support and encouragement to those who may be suffering silently.

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Finding Faith and Hope: Lessons from Past Struggles

Dwayne Johnson's journey with depression has taught him the value of faith and the promise of better days ahead. In his appearance on Oprah Winfrey's "Master Class" series in 2015, he expressed what he wished someone had told him during his darkest times. Encouraging viewers to maintain faith, he reminded them that on the other side of pain lies something good.

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A Message of Solidarity

Through his vulnerability and words of encouragement, Dwayne Johnson seeks to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles with mental health.

By sharing his own experiences, he hopes to inspire others to seek help and find the strength to overcome. Johnson's message is clear: speaking out about our pain is a courageous act that can pave the way for healing and a brighter future.