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Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock,” revealed he was not solid as a rock when depression hit him as he recently explained his ordeal on ‘The Pivot’ podcast. In fact, the first time he experienced it, the Fast & Furious star was oblivious and did not have a name tag for it. At over 50, and with how the world has evolved, the actor now knows just what was wrong with him. Johnson, who is famous for his build, physical strength, and acting prowess, made shocking revelations recently. Throughout his life, he has suffered depression more than once but managed to pull through. In ‘The Pivot’ podcast, the macho man was like an open book, sharing his struggles unfiltered while crediting his girls.
Dwayne Johnson Fought Depression As an Undergraduate
Dwayne Johnson opened the floor to his depression woes on The Pivot by recalling his days as a student. While schooling at the University of Miami, he honed his skills as a sportsman and hoped to achieve a career in the NFL. But as a freshman, he got unlucky after obtaining an injury to his shoulder. For Johnson, it was a break period. The wound made him give up on his dreams to be a sports star. But it was also the beginning of an end. According to the actor:
“I didn’t want to go to school. I was ready to leave. I left school. I didn’t take any midterms, and I just left. But the interesting thing, at that time, is I just didn’t know what it was.”
He was fully aware of how much pain the injury caused but did not know what to make of his behavior. At the same time, the Scorpion King star knew nothing about mental health. Despite having regressive traits, he was able to turn his fears and worries into something significant.
Dwayne Johnson Believes His NFL Dream Was Best Left Shattered
His lowest point in life was when he found the strength to develop himself. Johnson never got to achieve his NFL dream, but that only set him up for greatness. The actor launched a wrestling career. Fans would recall how he gained popularity — inside the ring as “The Rock.” He tailed after his famous dad, Rocky Johnson. But Johnson established his own career, he became a force to reckon with by being his own man and brand. Dwayne Johnson said on The Pivot:
“I always say 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.”
The Actor Credits His Daughters for Helping Him Fight Depression
Amid the overwhelming fame and physical strength, Jonshon needed help fighting through the non-physical pain. As a more mature adult, he faced depression mostly when his life did not conform with his self-script.
Following his divorce from Dany Garcia, Johnson’s mental health suffered again. And again, he did not know what to call it. He wanted to hide from the world, to manage his pain. The third time it happened was in 2017. But unlike previous episodes, Johnson had a rock to support him. The former wrestler looked to close pals and family for help.
In the same interview, he brought his friendship with Kevin Hart to the forefront. The duo, who have starred in a few onscreen productions, are naturally buddies offscreen. Thankfully, their relationship has not been parasitic, the pair have had each other to lean on. Johnson has relied on Hart for advice and vice versa.
Before concluding, Dwayne Johnson praised his girls for being his “saving grace” and a ticket out of depression. The actor is dad to Simone Garcia, a 21-year-old toeing down his path as a wrestler. His younger daughters are 7-year-old Jasmine and 5-year-old Tiana Gia. He welcomed them with Lauren Hanshain, his longtime partner whom he married in 2019.