Navigating the Night: Insights from YouTube Star Daniel Howell on Overcoming Darkness
In episode 76 of The Verywell Mind Podcast, YouTube icon Daniel Howell opens up about his personal journey with depression and reveals effective coping mechanisms.
CloseAmy Morin, LCSW, is a renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author whose works, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been embraced worldwide, translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx presentation, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," ranks among the most viewed talks ever.
The Verywell Mind Podcast, hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, features conversations with experts, creatives, athletes, and inspiring individuals who share their mental wellness strategies for thriving in life.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts
Introducing Daniel Howell
Daniel Howell is a celebrated comedian and entertainer whose YouTube content has amassed over a billion views. He also hosts an award-winning BBC radio program.
He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including The Amazing Book is Not on Fire and Dan and Phil Go Outside.
His latest book, You Will Get Through This Night, takes a heartfelt approach, offering practical tools to manage the challenging emotions that often emerge during nighttime hours.
Daniel Howell’s Mental Resilience
Although Daniel’s comedic videos brought him a vast following expecting humor, he bravely chose to reveal his personal battles with mental illness. This openness marked a significant risk but was a vital step in helping others.
He produced a candid video discussing his depression, revealing how he concealed his struggles behind humor. Motivated to support his audience, he authored a book outlining the coping strategies that aided his recovery.
Highlights From the Episode
- Understanding why nighttime presents unique challenges for many
- Daniel’s reasons for openly discussing his mental health journey
- Effective methods for managing distressing feelings when distractions aren’t available
- Tips for recovering after a difficult night
- Long-term strategies to enhance mental wellness
- Daniel’s personal technique for easing nighttime anxiety
- Exploring the reasons behind self-sabotage
- The critical role of routine in mental health
- Why some individuals expertly mask their mental health struggles
- Insights Daniel gained from sharing his depression story publicly
Deepening Your Understanding of Depression and Mental Strength
Nighttime often intensifies mental health challenges due to the absence of distractions, leaving only your thoughts.
Whether battling racing thoughts or paralyzing anxiety, 2 a.m. can feel overwhelming.
Many hide their depression out of fear of stigma or being perceived as weak.
Yet, seeking help requires immense courage and is a testament to true mental strength.
Depression convinces your mind that improvement is impossible, urging concealment and hopelessness.
Recognizing and challenging these negative thoughts, embracing discomfort, and taking proactive steps are essential to building resilience and becoming your best self.
Words of Wisdom from Daniel
"One key insight I've gained is how vital it is for everyone to understand their mind and emotions, and to know ways to nurture their mental health."
- Mental health is a shared human experience, not an isolated struggle.
- When you lay down at night with no distractions, you face your mind honestly—no excuses or diversions.
- Self-sabotage is a natural defense mechanism fueled by fear and worst-case assumptions.
- Establishing a consistent routine is challenging initially but becomes effortless over time.
- People can hide their mental health challenges remarkably well.
Additional Resources
- Purchase Daniel’s book - You Will Get Through This Night
- Follow Daniel on Instagram
- Subscribe to Daniel’s YouTube Channel
- Understanding Sadness vs. Clinical Depression
- Healthy Coping Techniques for Difficult Emotions
- Impact of Sleep on Mental Health
- The Verywell Mind Podcast
- Anxiety & Depression

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin is an internationally acclaimed psychotherapist and bestselling author. Her influential books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," remains one of the most popular talks globally.
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