Dwayne Johnson talks about depression journey, dating back to college days

Dwayne Johnson recently has been up about the depressive episodes he's experienced throughout his life, beginning in college.

The Black Adam actor revealed on The Pivot podcast that he first experienced depression while attending the University of Miami when he sustained a shoulder injury that prevented him from participating in football.

"I didn’t want to go to school,"   he said. "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. 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, wasn’t going to any of the team meetings, wasn’t participating in anything."

The Moana voice actor added that because of his injuries, he was unable to exercise, which as an athlete made his situation more difficult.

"Years later, I went through it again when I got a divorce. Didn’t know what it was," he continued. "Years later, around 2017 or so, went through a little bit. Knew what it was at that time, and luckily, at that time, I had some friends who I could lean on, and say, ‘You know, I’m feeling a little wobbly now. Got a little struggle happening. I’m seeing a little gray and not the blue.'"

The actor claimed that his three girls and "being a girl dad" have been his "saving grace" amid his bouts of despair, saying, As you see them, you come to the realisation, "Well, I mean, this is what it's all about.

Johnson added that he makes an effort to practise appreciation in his life and look for the positives, which has supported him through his challenges with his mental health.

The Red Notice star also discussed his sadness and how he's developed emotional coping mechanisms over time in an Instagram post advertising the podcast episode, emphasising once more that he wasn't aware of the existence of mental health issues for a long time.

"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," he wrote.

"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."