Drew Carey, the cheerful and witty host of The Price Is Right, is known to millions for bringing joy to daytime television. But behind his familiar smile lies a story of pain, perseverance, and personal triumph. As the beloved game show prepares to celebrate its 10,000th episode, Carey is also reflecting on his long and difficult journey with depression.

Carey, who succeeded the legendary Bob Barker as host in 2007, has become a staple of American TV. His time on The Drew Carey Show also cemented his place in comedy history. Despite the outward success, Carey has shared that he has faced serious mental health challenges throughout his life.

His struggles began early. At just eight years old, Carey lost his father, an event that deeply affected him. The trauma led to anxiety and habits like nail biting, which continued into his teen years. Compounding this pain was the religious environment in which he was raised.

“I was an Evangelical Christian in junior high and high school,” Carey explained. “It made me feel like I was never good enough. I was a sinner, and everything always felt doomed.” While he did learn moral values like kindness and forgiveness, the emotional cost was high. He carried deep shame and self-hatred, feelings that became overwhelming.

At 18, Carey hit a low point. In a moment of despair, he attempted suicide by taking sleeping pills and drinking beer. Fortunately, he reached out to his fraternity brothers, who rushed him to a medical center. In a surprisingly healing moment, as Carey vomited over the toilet, a friend sang a commercial jingle to lighten the mood. “I laughed so hard,” Carey recalled. “It made me feel so much better.”

That moment marked a turning point. Carey began reading self-help books, trying to rewire the way he thought about himself and the world. He realized he needed to distance himself from the negativity of his past and seek new ways to manage his mental health.

Today, Carey regularly sees a therapist, a practice he strongly encourages for others. “It’s a sign of strength, not weakness,” he said. “Everyone should make their mental health a priority.”

As The Price Is Right prepares to air its milestone 10,000th episode on February 26, Carey is looking back with gratitude. “It’s wild, isn’t it?” he said. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I’m so grateful—but I always ask: Am I still growing? Am I still engaged with the world in the way I want to be?”

Carey’s story is one of resilience. It’s a reminder that no amount of fame or success can shield someone from mental health struggles. By speaking out, he hopes to reduce the stigma and help others feel less alone.

The upcoming Price Is Right celebration is more than just a television milestone. It’s a celebration of personal endurance, growth, and the human spirit. Carey’s journey adds depth to the festivities, turning a moment of public achievement into one of personal reflection as well.

Through humor, friendship, therapy, and determination, Drew Carey has carved a path through darkness—and today, he stands as both an entertainer and an advocate for mental well-being.