Tony Rock is sending love to Carrot Top following his recent suicide attempt ... while reminding people there is often pain behind a comedian's smile.

We got Tony at LAX Monday, and he offered prayers for Carrot Top and his family ... saying a crisis like this affects far more than one person.

Tony says comedians still deal with real stress, trauma and drama offstage -- something audiences can lose sight of while watching them perform.

He also acknowledged the alleged extortion attempt -- which Tony admits happens to famous people -- involving a sexually explicit recording.

As TMZ previously reported, Carrot Top's attorneys claim a man named Brian Evans demanded $500,000 while threatening to place the recording in a public court filing.

Evans denies making any threat and says the video was deleted long ago.

We broke the story ... Carrot Top was hospitalized in Las Vegas after a suicide attempt. His rep says he is recovering and receiving care.

Tony ended on a lighter note, saying touring with his brother Chris Rock remains his number one goal.

As for whether Chris will see these comments ... Tony's got a hilarious response.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.