Comedian Wayne Brady Opens Up About Struggles With Depression

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Wayne Brady is known for making people laugh, but the comedian made a serious revelation this week.

Behind all the laughs, the 42-year-old Brady revealed that he's secretly battled depression for years.

"Having a bad day is one thing, having a bad week is another, having a bad life ... You don't want to move, you can't move in the darkness," he told ET's Nischelle Turner. "You're like, 'I am just going to sit right here and I want to wallow in this. As much as it hurts, I am going to sit right here because this is what I deserve. This is what I deserve, so I am going to sit here because I am that horrible of a person.'"

Brady said he had "a complete breakdown" last June on his 42nd birthday and realized that he had to make a change.

He is now on the road to recovery.

Brady took to Twitter to explain why he decide to open up about his struggles.

"I know not everyone is lucky enough to have a support system to talk and and you may have a wall up that stands between you and help. It may be pride, cultural stigma, shame, or just plain old 'I've got this!' I've had all the above! If me talking about my personal journey helps someone, it's all worth it," Brady wrote. "I'm very blessed to have a great job and family. I can now appreciate all of it much more. I love being able to bring those laughs to other people daily and laughing for real, myself."

CBS2's Mary Calvi sat down with Brady, who said those around him, lift him up.

"Just have fun and be you," Brady said. "Those are the people I  naturally gravitate towards."

The actor, singer and comedian has given away prize after prize as host of "Let's Make a Deal" for the past six seasons. He's also acting on stage, winning Emmys for music and producing, but one thing he takes with him everywhere is the sense that entertainment gives people a reason to smile.

"I want folks to have fun," Brady said.

You can watch Brady host "Let's Make a Deal" every weekday at 10 a.m. on CBS2.

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