During his time in college, famous actor Dwayne Johnson had a struggling phase that he believes was his first encounter with depression. Before emerging to fame in the movie industry and wrestling, Johnson wanted to pursue a career in professional football as well.
However, his plans were derailed due to a serious shoulder injury when he was a part of the University of Miami, famous for its football program. The urgent need for surgery left him out of the game, which led to a fall in his mental health as his dreams were broken.
How Training Helped Dwayne Johnson Fight Depression
Dwayne Johnson’s second bout with depression happened during his divorce from his first wife, Dany Garcia, in 2008. Reflecting on that time, the actor revealed that he still wasn’t aware of the nature of depression, and yet again, he dealt with it alone. During a Men’s Health interview, Dwayne Johnson was asked how training helped him cope with his personal issues, including his depression.
Dwayne Johnson asserted that while battling depression, he found solace and support in the gym. For Johnson, the physical exertion and release gave him a form of catharsis and mental clarity. The actor emphasized that while it wasn’t a solution to his problems, it definitely was a great coping mechanism.
“I think so, sure. During those times when I fell into and was challenged by depression, the gym became my best friend—and I know it’s like that for a lot of people. You’re able to go to the gym to sweat out toxins and get a little bit more clarity when you walk out the door. It doesn’t fix the problem, but it helps.”
In 2017, Dwyane Johnson’s mental health started declining yet again. The actor revealed that he was finally able to realize and label his struggles as depression.
Dwyane Johnson Follows an 8,000 Calorie Diet
While speaking to Delish, Johnson revealed that his daily calorie intake has ranged between 6000 and 8000 calories in the past few years. While the particular components of his diet weren’t revealed, the Fast Five star confirmed he eats six to seven meals every day, noting that this routine has continued regardless of his film role preparations.
Johnson told Delish:
“I do eat five to six, sometimes seven meals a day, whether or not I’m training for a role, which usually I am training for some sort of role or trying to maintain for the role that I’m currently in.”
During his initial years as an actor, Johnson regularly ate around 52 ounces of cod daily, making for a primary protein source. However, as time passed, reports indicate that he moved to adding alternative protein options, including beef, chicken, and bison. Moreover, for breakfast, he increased his protein with a 10-egg-white omelet.
