Dwayne Johnson has opened up about his long-running struggle with depression, sharing a personal confession that has resonated strongly with fans. The comments, discussed in an interview on The Pivot podcast, prompted a wave of supportive messages online.
Known worldwide as “The Rock,” Johnson first became a superstar in WWE. ESPN notes he won the WWE world championship 10 times, starting with his first title win at Survivor Series on November 15, 1998. He also won the Royal Rumble in 2000, before building a major Hollywood career with films such as Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and Black Adam. His more recent work includes The Smashing Machine in 2025.
In the podcast, Johnson urged men to speak honestly about mental health. He said his struggles began years ago, but he didn’t have the words to describe what he was feeling. He also pointed to difficult periods, including the end of his college football path and his 2008 divorce from Dany Garcia. Over time, he learned to recognize his “mental pain” and lean on friends for support.
His message lands amid ongoing concern about men’s mental health. Priory Group research reports 77% of men have experienced symptoms such as anxiety, stress, or depression, while 40% say they’ve never spoken to anyone about it.
If you’re struggling, talking to a trusted person or a healthcare professional can be a strong first step.