Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson “moved” by “phenomenal” support after opening up about depression

The wrestler-turned-actor recently shared his experience of mental health issues

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has said that he’s been “moved” by the “phenomenal” support from fans after recently opening up about his battle with depression.

The star discussed his mental health issues following a recent Instagram post in which he recalled witnessing his mother attempt suicide.

Speaking to The Express earlier this month, he said: “Struggle and pain is real. I was devastated and depressed. I reached a point where I didn’t want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly.”

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Johnson has now told BBC Newsbeat: “It was really overwhelming and thousands of people responded. It all started when I helped a man [fan struggling with depression]. I said, ‘hey, you’re not alone, we all go through it’.”

“One of the most important things that I know helped me with the multiple times that I had gone through my own episodes of depression, was making sure that I was talking to people.”

View this post on Instagram

Not your typical scene on our comedy #ballers, as I cracked a beer open toasting my character’s brother, William who committed suicide. Got me thinkin’ though bout how many of us have been affected by suicide of our friends, family. Struggle and pain is real. We’ve all been there on some level or another. My mom tried to check out when I was 15. She got outta the car on Interstate 65 in Nashville and walked into oncoming traffic. Big rigs and cars swerving outta the way not to hit her. I grabbed her and pulled her back on the gravel shoulder of the road. What’s crazy about that suicide attempt is to this day, she has no recollection of it whatsoever. Probably best she doesn’t. Shits of a scene to shoot – didn’t like it – but it did reminder that we always gotta do our best to really pay attention when people are in pain. Help ‘em thru it, get ‘em talkin’ about the struggle and remind ‘em that they’re not alone. We got lucky that day when I was 15 and that ain’t always the case.

A post shared by therock (@therock) on

Johnson added: “We as men have a tendency to hold all that in which is not healthy, it’s not good. Depression doesn’t discriminate so if my past can help then I’m happy to share.”

For help and advice on mental health issues, check out the below organisations:

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