9 Ways Comedians Can Improve Their Mental Health
Kris Sharma is a very funny stand-up comedian whose new comedy special, Ethnically Vague, has just been released on YouTube. Last year he opened for Hannibal Buress.
I knew Kris when he lived in Chicago. He had been a student of mine and spent years there becoming a great improviser. Kris is someone who understands how important it is to take care of your physical and mental health if you are going to succeed in comedy.
Recently, I saw a post that Kris had written, and when I read it, I loved it, and thought it would make a great guest blog. So I want to thank Kris for letting me share this with you.
Enjoy!
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9 Ways Comedians Can Improve Their Mental Health
By Kris Sharma
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice.
This may seem like a weird topic. But I feel like it's important.
To do comedy—to WANT to do comedy—you have to be a little weird. It's an odd thing to do.
I probably know more comics than I do people in any other profession. And compared to the general population, comics tend to be more:
- Depressed
- Anxious
- Likely to drink, use drugs, overeat, etc.
- Self-conscious
- Needy for approval (oh, please laugh and clap!)
If you want longevity (in life or business), you'll want to prioritize your mental and physical health.
Some hot takes and tips:
1. There is nothing sexy or cool about prolonged dysfunction
Kurt Cobain is dead. Patrice O'Neal is dead. Belushi is dead. John Candy, Jimi Hendrix, your favorite artist that lived fast and died young...they all died horrible deaths.
Whether it's booze, drugs, overeating, or depression — you need to do SOMETHING about it. Or it will kill you.
2. Destructive behaviors are not the source of your creativity
You will still be a "real" artist when you're feeling good. Sure, you might perform well when you're sad. I did some great shows when I was unemployed and sleeping on a buddy's couch. But that's all I had.
Trust me, your gifts will still be there when you're done self-sabotaging.
3. Life is long
Life is short? Fucking bullshit. Being a tortured artist at 20? Sure, it's a romantic image. At 40, it's fucking embarrassing.
4. Find out what your "thing" is
Do you have a self-destructive habit? It's probably time to quit.
I have SO MANY friends from my 20s who are sober now. Life gets better.
For me, it was gambling. So I quit gambling when I was 30. It's been more than 15 years, and I don't miss it at all.
Only you can decide if you're an addict. But there are 12-step programs out there for damn near everything. And they're free. It can't hurt to check one out, if you're inclined.
5. You need to look at your life holistically
"I'm still depressed even though I take medication!" Yeah, your life is depressing. Are you exercising? Are you eating real food? How about going outside? Are you getting enough sleep?
There's a meme about the "I have depression starter pack." It's a collage of junk food, video games, p*rn, staying up late, etc. Funny, but true.
Some of you would have an immeasurably better quality of life if you walked around aimlessly for an hour a day instead of sitting on the couch.
6. Real change takes work
"I can't quit drinking!" Really? How many AA meetings did you go to this week? Did you get a sponsor, work the steps, etc.? Shut the fuck up and get to work.
7. Comedy won't save you
I know it might be the only time you feel happy and normal. But it's just a job. It's an activity. Sure, it's a calling. But it’s just part of your life. It's not everything.
8. Try things
If something in your life isn't working, try something else.
What's worked for me:
Therapy, combat sports, long walks, meditation, yoga, journaling, neurofeedback (this is a cool one), and the aforementioned 12-step programs.
(I actually was on antidepressants a couple of times. It didn't do much for me, but your mileage may vary.)
People (myself included) think that moving to a new place can help. And it can, to a degree. But wherever you go, there you are. Those issues will come along with you.
9. Simplicity works
My life is better when I move my body, eat whole foods, get enough sleep, spend time with the people I love, and don't overload on toxic input (cough, cough — social media).
So find what works for you.