cbc passionate eye documentary on using

CBC Passionate Eye Documentary on Using Comedy to Fight Mental Illness and

Stigma

Cracking Up is a life-affirming documentary about people with mental

illness who embark on a quirky quest to become stand up comics. The

film follows 11 courageous people who suffer from mental illness as

they pursue a year of stand up comedy. Part fun and part therapy, the

course, entitled Stand Up For Mental Health is the brainchild of

Vancouver counselor, stand-up comic, and author of The Happy Neurotic:

How Fear and Angst Can Lead To Happiness and Success David Granirer.

"It's like 'The Full Monty' except people want us to keep our clothes

on", he says.

Doing stand-up comedy has had an amazing effect on the people in the

course. For the first time in their lives, they have embraced the word

crazy, and learned to laugh at their mental illness - and their

audiences are laughing right along with them. They have discovered a

talent they never dreamt they had.

Airs nationally on August 30 at 9 p.m. On CBC's Doc Zone. For more

information http://www.standupformentalhealth.com

Posted by Jennifer Forbes at 9:35 AM