Dwayne Johnson revealed his struggles with depression. He shared on “The Pivot” podcast that he’s had “three bouts of depression” over the years. The first time depression hit him was at the University of Miami, where he was playing football and was going to be the only freshman to play. However, a shoulder injury ended his football career and sent him into a tailspin. Johnson turned to wrestling, following in the footsteps of his father, wrestler Rocky Johnson.

He said playing in the NFL was the best thing that never happened to him, but that relief only comes with the benefit of hindsight. He noted that he faced other depressive episodes later in his life. Johnson discussed the importance of friendship, like the one he has with co-star Kevin Hart, as a way to cope and reach out for help when he needed it.

He said that he had some friends he could lean on and say, “Hey, you know, I feel a little wobbly now. I had a little struggle. I’m seeing the gray and not the blue.” Johnson also discussed the importance of self-care, such as taking care of oneself and taking care of others. He said that self-care was important for him as he got older and that it helped him cope with his depression and anxiety.

He said that he credits his three daughters, Simone Garcia Johnson, Jasmine Johnson, and Tiana Gia Johnson, with helping him overcome his depression.

He went on to say that, “as men, we didn’t talk about it. We just kept our heads down and worked through it.” He continued, “It’s not healthy, but it’s all we knew.”

This podcast has shocked many people because no one knew that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would be so vulnerable and openly discuss his struggles with depression.