Stand Up for Mental Health, It's Funny

Last Thursday I attended Stand Up for Mental Health, a comedy fundraiser for lessening public stigma around mental illness. The project was started by David Granirer, a B.C. counsellor, writer, and stand-up comic. The event included local stand-up comics, mostly new to the scene, who are past or current consumers of the mental health system. According to Granirer:

“We use comedy give consumers a voice and help reduce the stigma around mental illness,” says Granirer. The idea is that laughing at our setbacks raises us above them. It makes people go from despair to hope, and hope is crucial to anyone struggling with adversity. Studies prove that hopeful people are more resilient and also tend to live longer, healthier lives.”

Eight courageous comics took to the stage, some for their debut. The program is already having success in Vancouver and Toronto and now gaining momentum in Ottawa. David is looking for volunteers, both on stage and behind the scenes to help out. Of course, financial donations are also appreciated.

Thursday’s event also happened to be filmed by CBC’s Passionate Eye and will be featured early 2007 as a documentary entitled Cracking Up. Outstanding Canuck comedians Mary Walsh and Mike MacDonald were part of the show. It was fascinating to hear their personal struggles with addiction and depression, respectively.

David Granirer also has a book out called The Happy Neurotic, How Fear and Angst Can Lead to Happiness and Success (Warwick Publishing, 2007). I am in the middle of it now – so I’ll get back to you soon with a full review. However, so far it’s great!

To get in touch with Ottawa’s Coordinator of Stand Up for Mental Health, Heather Bruce, call 613-722-2540 or email heather@standupformentalhealth.com.