Teen star Kel Mitchell from the hit 90s show "Kenan & Kel" suffered from depression after the show came to a close back in 2000. His failed six-year marriage with Tyisha Hampton pushed him further to a life of drug dependency and alcohol abuse.
His co-star Kenan Thompson managed to land a gig at "Saturday Night Live" in 2000, but Mitchell was not as lucky. The apparent end of his showbiz career depressed him so much that he entertained thoughts of ending his life.
"I have been through so many ups and downs in my life," Mitchell writes on a blog post. "Suicidal, divorce, drug and alcohol usage, deep in sin, dealing with the loss of (loved) ones to gang violence, debt, hurt, pain, vanity, lust, heartbreak, feeling LOST looking for answers. I have seen, felt and been in all types of sin and have been done wrong by others."
But that was not the end of Mitchell's story. The comedian, who is now 37 years old, thankfully found solace back in his church. Mitchell grew up in Chicago as a pastor's grandson and he decided to reconnect with God.
"I was trying to figure it all out on my own. But what I needed to do was turn to Him," he told PEOPLE. "Once I found that clarity with Christ, I knew everything would work out... I enjoy living this life. I don't let things frustrate or worry me anymore. I don't do that because I have peace in my heart. I have God."
He later became the stage manager of a non-denominational Christian church in Los Angeles and continued his acting career. Mitchell also bounced back from his failed marriage and entered into a new marriage with rapper Asia Lee In 2012.
"Let go of your past, be a new creature in Christ!" Mitchell urges people who are struggling with their own problems. "I did! I let him in and Life is GOOD now, my eyes have been opened. I have always known God, but now I have a true understanding of who He is and why I am here, and why God has kept me safe, and sinful ways are no longer around me because I am surrounded with the love of Jesus, and I have allowed him to make the decisions in my life. I study the Word, I worship his name with praying and song."
Mitchell now stars in the new series "Game Shakers" which airs on Nickeledeon. He also goes on tour as a stand-up comedian and motivational speaker. He might even team up with Thompson again and continue their highly popular "Good Burger" skit.
