Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless discussed her journey to overcome depression and substance abuse issues on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

The singer was featured in the latest episode hosted by Alex Cooper, released today (Nov. 5). They explored various topics, including Momsen’s acting career, her transition from Gossip Girl to music, and the challenges she faced when others did not take her seriously.

The conversation took a somber turn as the vocalist recounted her struggle with depression following the deaths of her idol Chris Cornell in 2017 and her longtime friend and producer Kato Khandwala a year later.

“That was the nail in the coffin for me,” Momsen recalled. “It was a giant one-two punch because they were not that far apart from each other. I just went off the rails; I didn’t handle that well. I got very heavy into substance abuse and this cloud of depression that I couldn’t shake.”

How Did Taylor Momsen Get Through the Depression?

Momsen admitted she reached a point where she felt hopeless and believed there was no purpose left. Despite having a support system, she isolated herself, filled with shame.

“I had to make a very conscious choice at a point where I was either going to live or I was going to die, and I had to either stop everything I was doing and get my life together, or this was going to kill me. Luckily, I chose to move forward, but it was that serious,” she shared.

Compounding her struggles was the fact that music — her greatest passion — intensified her pain instead of alleviating it. She found it difficult to listen to Soundgarden due to the grief over Cornell’s death and avoided The Beatles because they reminded her of Khandwala.

Ultimately, time played a crucial role in her healing.

“Eventually, I got to a place where I could start listening to records again,” the singer acknowledged. “I very calculatedly went, ‘Where did I fall in love with this? How do I find myself again?’ So I started at the very beginning, which was The Beatles.”

From there, she revisited all the bands she loved growing up and eventually found solace in Soundgarden’s music once more. This led to the creation of The Pretty Reckless’ fourth album, Death By Rock and Roll.

What Is Taylor Momsen’s Advice for Someone Dealing With Depression?

Momsen explained that as she emerged from depression, she recognized that the feeling of missing someone never fully disappears but tends to lessen over time.

“At the end of the day, [Death By Rock and Roll] is very hopeful. It starts off very dark and bleak but there’s this positive turn toward the end that suggests there is light at the end of this seemingly impossible tunnel,” she reasoned.

READ MORE: Soundgarden Reveal Singers for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

“If you can just wait it out, you will get to the other side… It does get better. And the frustrating thing about that is when people say it while you’re in it; you want to punch them in the face.”

What Are The Pretty Reckless Up to in 2026?

It has been announced that The Pretty Reckless will open for AC/DC again on their 2026 tour, meaning Momsen and the band will be busy on the road. She also hinted at more new music following their latest single “For I Am Death” and their new Christmas EP, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas.

Check out the full podcast episode below.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. To speak with someone on the phone, call 1-800-622-HELP (1-800-622-4357) or send a text message to 1-800-487-4889.

Taylor Momsen Discusses Overcoming Grief + Substance Abuse on ‘Call Her Daddy’