Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Opens Up About Battle With Depression

Mental illness does not discriminate and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is evidence of that.

Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in the world and was given a star on the Hollywood walk of fame in December.

But the 45-year old's rise to the top has been anything but straightforward and he has opened up about his battle with depression.

A 15-year old Johnson witnessed, and thwarted, his mother Ata's attempt to kill herself after they were evicted from their apartment.

Image: PA

"She got out of the car on Interstate 65 in Nashville and walked into oncoming traffic," he told the Express.

"Big rigs and cars were swerving out of the way. I grabbed her and pulled her back on the gravel shoulder of the road. What's crazy about that suicide attempt is that to this day, she has no recollection of it whatsoever. Probably best she doesn't."

Johnson says he was at his absolute worst when injuries ended his dream of becoming a professional footballer and his girlfriend broke up with him.

Image: PA

"That was my absolute worst time. I reached a point where I didn't want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly."

After following in his father and grandfather's footsteps into professional wrestling, The Great One became an absolute mega star, winning 10 world titles and headlining five Wrestlemanias before becoming a mainstream star and acting phenomenon.

Further touching on mental health issues, he said:

"We [he and his mother] both healed but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain," he said.

"We have to help them through it and remind them they are not alone."

He also posted an inspirational message on Twitter:

Huge kudos to Johnson for opening up in such a manner.

If you are suffering from depression and want to talk, contact someone. Be brave. Talk about it.

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which will feature a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation.

Topics: Mental Health, The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, WWE News, Wrestling, WWE

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_