FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

How comic Gary Gulman effectively blends humor into his story of overcoming major depression.

- BY SARAH MERRITT RYAN

Gary Gulman is a veteran stand-up comic and frequent late-night guest with multiple cable specials, most notably the awardwinning HBO show called "The Great Depresh," and is the author of the bestselling memoir, Misfit (Flatiron Books). Gulman uses his comedic chops to tell the notso-funny story of his hard-won battle against major depression with suicidal ideation. His writings and performances function as a vehicle for speaking truth on mental illness, where humor serves as that "spoonful of sugar" we sometimes need to handle uncomfortable subjects that not everyone understands.

Gulman brings light to the darkest of subjects, where finding that illumination is critical to his own healing. He uses his profession as a comedian to share that light with others, in a way that promotes public understanding of major depression and much-needed encouragement for so many others battling similar symptoms. Using humor in an unlikely way pushes the hard boundaries we place around the topic of mental illness, where comedians like Gulman allow people who experience serious mental illness to feel less like they exist in silos.

Gulman spoke to WD about how humor relates to his recovery process, about humor as a vehicle for truth, and his advice for writers who choose to use humor to tackle unlikely topics. He explains the personal discoveries he's made through overcoming these challenges, how he's applied them in a way that improves his writing and standup routines, and offers encouragement and insight for others experiencing major depression themselves.

WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY WHERE YOU HAD THE STRENGTH TO USE HUMOR TO EXPLAIN YOUR PAST AND HOW YOU BATTLE DEPRESSION?