Laughing in the Dark by Chonda Pierce Howard/Simon & Schuster

In her latest book, Laughing in the Dark (Howard/Simon & Schuster), comedian Chonda Pierce candidly describes her struggle with clinical depression. She talked to TC about her journey.

When did you discover you were depressed?
Two years ago, I was on tour when I felt like I was having a heart attack. I canceled all my performances. The doctors had no idea what was wrong. I was bedridden and unable to eat for weeks. Finally, a close friend who is a psychologist suggested I might be suffering from depression. I went to see a wonderful Christian psychiatrist who diagnosed me as "clinically depressed."

What does clinical depression feel like?
Your mind is thoroughly convinced there's something wrong with you. You cry and don't know why you're crying. And I'm not going to even tell you how many days I went without a shower. That would gross out all my fans.

As a Christian, you start evaluating your spiritual life and thinking, Oh, no. I must've done something so bad that God has left me—or cursed me.

How did you emerge from the darkness?
Worship has been one of my greatest weapons against despair, listening to praise music and focusing on God's Word. But medication was also helpful and necessary. Antidepressants were essential to my recovery.

What advice would you offer to someone who may be struggling with depression?
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. I know there's a stigma attached to seeking psychiatric help, especially among Christians, but it's crucial. If you can find an experienced Christian counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can pray with you, as well as advise you medically, that is so important.

Second, just keep going and going after the abundant life that God promises. It's like when your kids were learning to walk. As they stepped toward you, you tricked them and kept backing up, until they were actually walking on their own. That's how the Lord was with me. I would take a few steps out of my bedroom, and He would just keep backing up a little more each time. It was His lure to teach me I could take more steps than I realized.

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