Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey Through Depression

Christian comedienne Pierce reminisces about a recent 18-month period that should have been a time to recharge from a rigorous speaking and traveling schedule. Instead of relishing this particular winter break, Pierce had a "winter breakdown." She discusses this bout with depression breezily, yet punctuated within the confines of every jest is the reality of deep despair and helplessness. Pierce's message is both poignant and telling, markedly so for a Christian who makes her living making others laugh. Pierce discusses her troubled childhood, explosive inner fears and the self-questioning that left her emotionally bereft and spiritually unfettered. She attributes her eventual slow recovery to the combined efforts of faithful friends and family, the prescription drug Zoloft, deliberate and extended bodily rest and weekly counseling. Pierce sprinkles humorous asides to leaven her tale's tragedies (struggling with emotional darkness, losing two sisters and enduring an abusive father) and quotidian misery (a recriminating self-image, overbusyness and the onset of peri-menopause). Citing "deliverance" as an offense tactic akin to donning the spiritual armor of God found in Ephesians, Pierce encourages those who struggle to "maintain, maintain, maintain," and proactively stay on the road to recovery. Pierce's loyal fan base will be all the more supportive after reading of the popular comedienne's dark night of the soul. (Feb. 13)