The Rock just bravely opened up about his battle with depression—and finding hope

By Kathryn lindsay

November 17, 2015

By Kathryn lindsay

November 17, 2015

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for saving the day in movies and saving puppies IRL. But behind his action star persona is a man who’s battled a serious illness—and one that he’s bravely speaking out about. Johnson appeared on a recent episode of Oprah’s show, Master Class, and opened up about his past struggles with depression.

Despite being one of the most recognizable names out there, Johnson wasn’t always this successful. In fact, he had to work super hard to get here and encountered a few bumps along the way. After the NFL passed on him (a decision they’re probably really regretting now) and he was cut from his Canadian football team, Johnson hit a low. He talked about how absolutely alone depression made him feel, like he was in “a bubble.” In heartfelt first-person confessional, he explains the vulnerability you don’t see on the surface. “I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and say ‘Hey. It’s gonna be okay,’” he said.

Now, he wants to be that person for other people. “Hold onto that fundamental quality of faith,” he tells us. “Have faith that on the other side of your pain is something good.”

Obviously, that can be so hard to believe at the time. But it can help to hear that you’re not alone. Recently, more celebrities have been opening up about their struggles with depression, in part, to help de-stigmatize the way we think about mental illness. It’s an important conversation we need to be having, just as it’s important to hear stories of people overcoming their depression and getting help.

In a heartfelt tweet last week, Johnson publicly acknowledged the therapist who treated him:

The biggest lesson we can learn from this is, no matter who you are, it’s always okay to ask for help. Even when things feel hopeless, it’s important to remember you’re not alone.

Watch the moving video below: