Even though many people view stand-up as one of the scariest and most complicated things, humour remains one of the most innate ways human beings process trauma.
British comedian Angie Belcher is proving it on a regular basis. She helps people explore their personal history through comedy. She believes it makes them “stronger and more resilient.”
Mrs Belcher is the initiator of a six-week course for trauma survivors in Bristol, Comedy on Referral, which is now receiving NHS funding in order to expand its programs to London.
She describes herself as a “comedian in residence,” and also founded the AFTERMIRTH Comedy Club – another initiative that helps fight post-natal depression to celebrate parenthood through stand-up comedy.
“My course for trauma victims encourages them to process their trauma differently, so they can change who the victim is and choose the narrative,” Belcher told The Guardian.
“This enables survivors to consciously use comedy to change their perspective of their experiences, but it also puts them in a physically powerful position because being on stage is very powerful,” she added.
Last week, the NHS rewarded Belcher’s efforts with a grant in the hope of reducing the British suicide rate by 10%.
Image: Unsplash
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
Culture