“If you don't have anxiety”, stand-up comedian Aparna Nancherla riffs on stage: “I'd describe it like this: There's a sharp improv group in your brain, and it just needs one word to spin countless scenarios that no one likes.”
It was Nancherla's openness about this life experience that led to her joining the Anxiety Club. new documentary on streaming platform Shake. The film delves into the topic of anxiety, looking closely and often uncomfortably at how it manifests itself and what it represents. feels like in the body and brain and ways to cope with them – all from the perspective of working comedians. It follows Nancherla as well Tiffany Jenkins, Mark Normand, Joe List, Marc Maron, Baron Vaughn And Eva Victor both on and off stage as they write and perform comedy, date and marry, care for young children, and counsel friends who also experience anxiety.
According to research, anxiety affects more than 300 million people worldwide. World Health Organization. Director Wendy Lobel says she struggled with anxiety for most of her adult life and wanted to make a film about the topic that would disarm audiences with humor and promote understanding and healing.
“I think it's easier for people to engage with this topic—whether they have anxiety or love someone who has it—it's easier when it's presented in the form of comedy,” Lobel says.
Despite popular belief, comedians do not necessarily suffer from anxiety more than the general population, says a clinical psychologist. Ildiko Taboriwho specializes in treating comedians. But they have a unique ability to convey disturbing experiences, she says.
“Comedians are spokespersons for society,” says Tabori. “They are essentially our reality check, capturing real-life experiences with a funny twist and putting them on stage where you can connect with them.”
In the film, Tabori adds, “These comedians will show that you can keep going, even in the face of anxiety. You can keep performing, you can live your life. And you can use it to your advantage rather than holding you hostage, preventing you from doing what you want to achieve in life.”
We spoke to four comedians from the film, who shared personal stories and tips for coping with anxiety.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
