Actress Kirsten Dunst is clearing up the reason she went into rehab earlier this year.

Dunst told E! Online that it was for depression and not for alcohol or drugs.

The "Spider-Man" movie co-star said she was "struggling" and took the time to take care of herself at the noted private rehab facility, the Cirque Lodge in Utah.

"I was fortunate to have the resources to do it. My friends and family thought it was a good idea, too. But I didn't know where to go. My doctor recommended Cirque Lodge," Dunst told E!

Dunst, 26, said she's now ready to talk about her problem because she feels stronger in the face of rampant media speculation.

"There's been a lot of misrepresentation about what is going on in my life, and it's been very painful for my friends and family," Dunst told E! "Everyone feels like they have to defend me. They hear the rumors, and it puts them in a defensive position. Now that I'm feeling stronger, I was prepared to say something."

She told the E! that being a celebrity doesn't exempt her from problems like depression.

"Depression is pretty serious and should not be gossiped about," Dunst told the Web site.