Deep depression, loss of her best friend, questioning God, turning to food for comfort, being super single—all things Mandisa opened up about in her chat with TheHopeLine!
Mandisa was so sweet when she spoke to us, and the really cool thing is that she is not ashamed to talk about her struggles. She is authentic and real and brings a lot of raw emotion into her music!
Mandisa's new album, Out of the Dark, is based on personal experience. She says God has pulled her out of the dark and now she has a renewed passion for her music and a willingness to be transparent and vulnerable about the challenges she faced the last several years.
Depression can be a deep, dark hole that sucks you in further and further. It can be all-consuming, and you can feel like there is no hope. Depression can be a struggle all of its own or it can stem from so many other things like anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and abuse. If you are in that dark place right now or have been there, you are not alone. Singer, songwriter, and Grammy winner, Mandisa has been very transparent about the deep depression she faced in the last few years, and she tells TheHopeLine what it was like. She says that, at one point, she was comfortable in that dark place. She explains, "I shut out everyone; I shut out God; I shut out everyone who loved me. I hardly left my house. I stayed in my house every day. I ate and I watched television, and I've never been more miserable in my life."
When you are in a deep depression, it's all-consuming, so it's very hard to make positive steps to move forward or get help. Mandisa was in a depression for about 3 1/2 years until she reached a turning point. Mandisa said God showed her 3 things:
1. We have to walk in community with one another. - "There's a difference between needing time to re-energize and isolating and shutting out the world." Her loved ones loved her too much to leave her where she was. Friends and family are important!
2. Stop focusing on your mistakes in the past. - "I had to stop battling with shame because of all the mistakes I made."
3. Look for those flickers of light that come in so many places. - "Darkness is overwhelming, but it only takes one flicker of light to chase out that darkness."
If you’re struggling with depression, please reach out for support today. You can chat with a Hope Coach. It's free and confidential.
Mandisa's Grammy-winning song "Overcomer" was written for her best friend, Kisha, to encourage her while she was battling breast cancer. Mandisa later wrote "Prove Me Wrong" from the anger she was feeling after her friend died. She says the song is not tied up with a pretty Christian bow, but it's honest and heartfelt. She says through her grief she learned, "When you are dealing with grief, you have to bring that to the Lord, or you are going to bring it somewhere else."
If you or a friend need support right now, please visit the suicide prevention resource page. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
Wow! What an amazing artist who doesn't fear opening up. Music that really touches!❤
Thank you, Brittany! We were touched by her transparency and her desire to help others.
I love mandisa. She has really helped me through all lot by her music. Her song " overcomer" is one of the only things that keep me going. I would love a chance @ getting a copy of the new CD.
Thank you for your comment! Overcomer is such an inspirational song!
I really needed this encouragement today! Thank you!
You're welcome, Tiffany! We are so glad you were encouraged by Mandisa's interview.
As horrible as depression is, it's somewhat refreshing to know that celebrities struggle with it too. It must be even worse for them, given the facade they must play to hide the truth from fans. Although death is always a tragedy, Robin Williams' suicide did wonders for depression awareness. He is certainly missed, and his death was as influential as his life. Mental illness can be so debilitating and I don't wish it on anyone, but I am also thankful that one person's struggle can have a positive influence and help others. It's an unfortunate reality and although it wasn't comforting in my darkest days, being told my struggle was probably meant to help others in the future gave me hope and courage as I was finally emerging from my pit of depression.
Kristie, Thank you for your comment and your transparency in dealing with depression. It is our top issue at TheHopeLine and affects so many lives. We too were saddened by the loss of Robin Williams and do understand the awareness it brought to mental health issues. You are so right, knowing that we are not alone and that others deal with the same issues helps bring hope and courage. Keep fighting the fight and know we are here for you!
It's so beautiful to find a person so honest so loving so inspiring I would so love to meet her she is so honest to the core people need to hear struggles other people are facing in a daily basis because depression can be so unbearable and isolating I suffer severe chronic daily pain had to give up my job can't do my
Food shopping or work anymore and it's quiet debilitating this lady is so inspiring she even talks about Jesus and is not a bit embarrassed mentioning her relationship with him which is what everyone on earth needs and is here for if we are to spend eternity with him I would really love to meet her and win her albumn as well thanks for sharing her story and battle with depression reginahehir1@gmail.com
Thank you, Regina. We were inspired by the transparency and authenticity in her interview. We are praying for your strength, Regina, and are thankful that you have placed your burdens at the Lord's feet. He is with you always.