Comedy as Medicine: Tackling Mental Health One Laugh at a Time

Suicide Zen Forgiveness

For the past 15 years, Susan Stewart has been entertaining and inspiring audiences across North America. Susan is best known for her ability to make people laugh while helping them to meet their challenges with a sense of humour. Susan is the author of 3 books including her latest title, You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously. Susan's podcast, Still A Hot Mess, and her comedy album, Relentless, are available on iTunes and Spotify. You can learn more about Susan at susanstewart.ca

Links:

www.susanstewart.ca

Instagram: @susanistewart

Facebook: ComedianSusanStewart

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LinkedIn: susanstewartcomedian

YouTube: @SusanStewartToronto

Show Notes

Humor, Healing, and Hope: A Comedian's Battle with Mental Health

In this episode of 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness,' host Elaine Lindsay talks to Susan Stewart, a Canadian comedian and author, best known for her humorous approach to overcoming life's challenges. Susan discusses her personal journey with mental health issues, including clinical depression that led her to quit comedy 20 years ago. She talks about the importance of not taking life too seriously, the healing power of laughter, and how she uses comedy to deal with and educate others about mental health. Susan shares her story of recovery from a recent mental health crisis, emphasizing the role of medication, therapy, and the support of loved ones. The conversation highlights how comedy can be a therapeutic tool, bringing light to the struggles many face with mental health, and aiming to destigmatize mental illness through laughter and open discussion. Finally, Susan talks about her new comedy show, 'A bit more than a rough patch,' focused on mental health, and her plans to raise awareness and funds by touring. The episode is sponsored by several organizations and individuals supporting mental health initiatives and suicide awareness.

00:00 Introducing the Guest: A Comedian with a Message

00:50 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

01:23 Meet Susan Stewart: Comedian, Author, and Speaker

03:24 Susan's Journey Through Comedy and Mental Health

05:28 The Healing Power of Comedy and Self-Deprecation

11:08 Susan's Recent Mental Health Crisis and Recovery

14:01 The Importance of Managing Our Inner Critic

21:41 Susan's New Show: A Comedy Take on Mental Health

26:09 Taking the Show on the Road: A Journey Through Mental Health Awareness

28:57 The Power of Comedy in Conveying Hard Truths

31:55 Navigating the New Normal: Comedy, Mental Health, and the Pandemic

32:50 The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Society

40:26 Adapting to Change: The Shift to Virtual Platforms and the Importance of Laughter

43:42 Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

45:51 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements