Can you really make fun of PTSD? It seems impossible, especially the morning after a terrifying nightmare or the feeling of panic when a trigger hits. But I’m here to tell you, it is totally possible to make fun of PTSD.
And now I’m teaching people how to do that by learning how to write and perform stand up comedy.
Mental Health at the Mic to Make Fun of PTSD
I have two passions in my vocational life, and I am relieved that they are related: PTSD and comedy. With my Partner in PTSD (Chris), I co-founded the PTSD Parent Podcast and Facebook Live videos (now found on Youtube), which is funny but also talks about serious PTSD stuff. With my mental health advocate friend Dave, I co-founded Mental Health at the Mic, which is also funny and also talks about serious PTSD and mental health stuff.
Mental Health at the Mic is a program that teaches people with mental health challenges – like PTSD – how to write and perform stand up comedy. There are many advantages to using comedy to deal with PTSD – I know personally, because I went through the comedy class when it was called something else. Sure, it was scary – but it was the good kind of fear. It felt like getting my power back.
[Tweet “There are many advantages to using comedy to deal with PTSD – I know personally, because I’ve done it.”]
So How Do You Make Fun of PTSD?
The answer to this question is the same as for, “How do two porcupines make love?” The answer: very carefully.
The old therapy metaphor of peeling the onion – peeling back the layers – to get to the sources of trauma and heal them up works here too. I’ve been doing comedy for almost 10 years (intentionally), and I would still say about 25 percent of my jokes are about PTSD.
This is because – like therapy – we don’t grab anyone by the shoulders and shake them and yell, “Talk about the worst mental illness stuff in your life!” No way! First, you learn how to craft jokes about the stuff that is most urgent and observed in your life. Then maybe go a little deeper.
The great part is, you have all the control.
Comedy Class Details
If you are in Portland – even if you’re not – I would love for you to spend time in my comedy class with Mental Health at the Mic. (If you’re outside of Portland and interested in bringing in a weekend class, contact me here). The great news is that a comedy class is starting soon! Classes are capped at 8 to 10 students to ensure a safe and comfortable environment and plenty of support. And laughter.
When We Meet: Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Eight weeks of classes start July 31st! Celebration show with invited family and friends after the last night of class.
Where We Meet: The class will meet in SE Portland. Students will be sent the address before the first class.
Cost: $200 You can pay a $50 or $100 deposit now and the rest when class begins.
Sign Up for the Comedy Class Here!
Still have questions? Go here to learn more about our classes or contact us for more information!