You'd be hard pressed to find a more successful person than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The once professional wrestler turned Hollywood mega-star is among the highest paid people in show business, and is beloved around the world for his turns in action-packed thrillers like the Fast and the Furious franchise, children's movies like Moana, and laugh-out-loud comedies like the recent Jumanji reboot. However, Johnson's life has had its ups and downs, and, in a recent interview with The Express, he opened up about his struggles with depression and why it's so important to reach out when someone is in a dark place.
Johnson revealed his "worst point" was in his teens, when he witnessed his mother's attempted suicide:
She got out of the car on the Interstate 65 in Nashville and walked into oncoming traffic. Big rigs and cars were swerving out the way. I grabbed her and pulled her back on the gravel shoulder of the road.
His mother has no memory of walking out onto the highway.
What's crazy about that suicide attempt is that to this day, she has no recollection of it whatsoever. Probably best she doesn't.
#YouAreNotAlone https://t.co/gwx3A2QcQe
— Sarah Marie (@SarahMarie0101) April 2, 2018
Dwayne was incredibly affected by the incident, which was followed closely by a break-up.
I reached a point where I didn't want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly.
But both he and his mother pulled through and learned from their darkest hours.
We both healed but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain. We have to help them through it and remind them they are not alone.
The response on Twitter has been overwhelmingly positive. For one of the biggest stars in the world to speak openly about his depression makes a huge difference to many.
Got tons of responses to this. Thank you. We all go thru the sludge/shit and depression never discriminates. Took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You’re not alone
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 2, 2018
https://t.co/ADHjYtGe3k
I will be honest, literally the last person on Earth I would suspect to suffer from depression is The Rock. You just seem so motivated and in complete control of your entire life. If there was anyone I thought who would have it all together, it would have to be you. https://t.co/xE6stg4pcz
— Dan Hughes (@danlmantheman) April 2, 2018
Alright, when is Mr. Johnson's induction into the Hall of Fame of Human Beings going to happen? https://t.co/lykDEKICjZ
— Ol' Griff (@gmaxwell6) April 2, 2018
Johnson personally reached out to some of the people who responded to him on Twitter:
Hey man I get it. We all go thru the sludge and shit. Stay strong and make sure you’re talking to good people about it. Us men have a tendency to hold it in. No shame in getting help and wanting to be better.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 2, 2018
The Rock suffered from depression, and went on to become...The Rock. If you feel like you need to talk, check out these resources:
If you feel like you have no reason to live, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help and support.
— The Lifeline (@800273TALK) April 1, 2018
Everyone should take Dwayne Johnson's advice. If you're in a dark place, or know someone who is, reach out.
H/T - Twitter, The Sun, The Express