Kirsten Dunst has revealed she entered rehab earlier this year to seek help for depression.

It had been speculated that the actress spent time at Utah's Cirque Lodge Treatment Centre to receive treatment for alcohol or drug abuse.

"I was struggling, and I had the opportunity to go somewhere and take care of myself," the 26-year-old told E! Online.

"I was fortunate to have the resources to do it. My friends and family thought it was a good idea, too."

A friend explained to People magazine: "She does drink and she does have wild nights, but that was never the root of her issues. She couldn't control her depression."

The 'Spider-Man' actress explained she decided to speak out to prevent rumours spreading further.

"Now that I'm feeling stronger, I was prepared to say something... Depression is pretty serious and should not be gossiped about," she told E!

When Dunst went into the same facility as Lindsay Lohan in February, another friend told People magazine that the actress had been depressed for a while.

"She's been crying a lot lately. Everybody hits that bottom where you feel [so] scared that that one heavy night of partying can really wake you up. It's good she's getting herself help."