Laughter is the best medicine - a click bait or reality? Stand up comedy recommendations
Like many women in our beautiful community, I’ve embarked on a Journey of self-discovery and healing. Plenty of resources helped (and are still supporting me!) in that process – books, podcasts, online and offline communities, professional therapists, friends, online blogs and more. Some resources provided knowledge, some provided space, some provided perspective and some provided comfort. But one resource I completely overlooked until it hit me – stand up comedy and the power of laughter.
As a big fan of English-speaking stand up comedy, I often find myself entertained by comedians commenting everyday events and challenges, from politics to culture and love. However, certain standup comedians became even more relevant and relatable to me when they brought up the topic of their own mental health challenges into the spotlight, sharing their traumas in a relatable, yet humorous way.
Laughing about various traumas is not for everyone, I understand that. For me personally, it helped me feel seen, understood, and above all – that I am not alone. After all, laughter sometimes IS the best medicine :)
If you find yourself curious after this description, below are a few of my recommendations.
What are some of your recommendations you would add to the list?
Maybe the next category could be relatable films and series?
The list:
Neal Brennan – “Blocks” (Netflix)
Neal Brennan – “3 mics” (Netflix)
- Neil Brennan is battling depression, anxiety and trauma stemming from his struggling relationship with his father and sibling dynamics
Taylor Tomlinson – “Quarter Life crisis” (Netflix)
Taylor Tomlinson – “Look at you” (Netflix)
Taylor Tomlinson – “Have it all” (Netflix)
- Taylor Tomlinson has been diagnosed with BPD, she is battling social anxiety and abandonment issues
Kevin Hart – Laugh at my pain (Youtube)
Kevin Hart – Laugh out loud (Youtube)
- Kevin tackles his challenging childhood and family dynamics, stemming from his fathers addiction. Family (both of origin and his own) is a central topic of all Kevin’s stand up specials.
John Mulaney – Baby J (Netflix)
- Addiction, recovery
Pete Davidson – Alive from New York (Netflix)
- Early loss of father, relationships, anxiety
Chris Rock – Selective outrage (Netflix)
- Breaking generational trauma, overcoming immaturity
Thank you for reading, let me know in the comments if you enjoyed the recommendations and what other specials should be added to the list.