Comedian and late-night host Conan O’Brien opened up about his experience with depression in a revealing interview on the Howard Stern Show.

During the 2015 interview, O’Brien told Stern he had been diagnosed with depression and was receiving treatment. He regularly sees a psychiatrist and is on medication to manage his depression.

Conan confessed he was initially reluctant to seek help, even though he knew something wasn’t right. He worried that, in a strange way, maybe he needed to be unhappy in order to be funny.

Eventually, though, O’Brien’s depression escalated, and he reached a point where that concern no longer mattered to him. He recognized that his anxiety and depression were taking a toll on his professional and family life. He knew he needed to get help. He decided that, if he had to choose between being funny or being happy, he’d rather be happy.

Of course, he later realized it was possible to be both funny and happy. Receiving treatment for his depression didn’t fundamentally alter who he was as a person, and it certainly didn’t make him any less funny or talented.

Photo source: Conan O'Brien by Gage Skidmore

Comedian Louis C.K. has lived with depression for decades. Known for his dark, self-deprecating humor, perhaps it’s not surprising he tends to have a bleak outlook on life.

In 2017, the formerly successful comic made headlines for sexual misconduct. Understandably, his career and public reputation plummeted.

Before the scandal broke, Louis C.K. was one of the most successful living comics. The Emmy Award-winner was lauded for his stand-up specials and his work on The Chris Rock Show and Louie, a situational comedy based loosely on his own life.

He won two Grammys for Best Comedy Album, and Rolling Stone named him one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time. His deadpan, observational comedy routines explore the awkwardness of interpersonal relationships and the trials and tribulations of ordinary, daily life.

Photo source: Louis C.K. - Louis Szekely/Peter Huchkins

The Drew Carey Show was one of the most iconic television shows of the 1990s. Yet, the star of the show, Drew Carey, struggled with depression and low self-esteem despite the fame and success he achieved.

When Carey was only 8 years old, his father died of a brain tumor. He was devastated by the loss. He asked his mother if he could see a psychiatrist, but she refused because she couldn’t afford it. After her husband’s death, she was working two jobs to try and make ends meet while raising her three sons on her own.

With his mother working long hours to support the family, young Carey spent much of his time at home by himself. He coped with his loneliness and boredom by reading joke books, watching funny cartoons, and listening to comedy albums.

Carey was plagued by depression throughout his childhood and adolescence. During his freshman year of college, he attempted suicide. He attempted suicide again at age 23; at the time, he was waiting tables at Denny’s after failing to complete his college degree.

With the support of family and friends, and motivation from self-help books, Carey worked to overcome his depression. He discovered he had a knack for comedy and started doing standup. Though he lacked confidence in himself, his career took off.

Carey has worked hard to improve his physical and mental health. He’s endeavored to eat healthy, exercise, read books about personal development, and continually strive for self-improvement.

Photo source: Drew Carey by p_diddio

Wayne Brady has been making us laugh for decades. Yet, until recently, Brady kept quiet about his personal experience with depression.

Brady decided to open up about his mental illness after the tragic suicide of legendary comedian and actor Robin Williams. Brady said Williams’ untimely death made him realize it was important to speak openly about depression.

Brady had always looked up to the comedy icon as a personal hero. He also had the opportunity to work with Williams professionally. Williams’ suicide shook Brady to his core and moved him on a deeply personal level.

Williams’ talent was unparalleled, and he brought joy and laughter to countless people; yet, all the while, he was plagued by deep emotional pain. As Brady reflected, all the money, fame, and love from fans around the world weren’t enough to save Williams from his depression.

People tend to assume comedians are always happy, but that’s simply not the case. Comedians like Wayne Brady and Robin Williams may be talented and successful, but they’re still human beings.

Brady hopes that, by “coming out” about his depression, he can help others know that they are not alone.

Photo source: Wayne Brady at the SXSW Samsung Blogger Lounge by Nan Palmero