SACRAMENTO, Calif. — "1 Degree of Separation: A Funny Look at Suicide and Depression" is a comedy show aiming to give a relatable perspective on heavy topics, like mental health issues.
ABC10's Mark S. Allen joined some of the comedians scheduled to participate to learn more about their stories and inspirations.
HERE ARE 3 THINGS TO KNOW:
- Stand-up comic and magician Brad Bonar, Jr. organized the event due to his own experiences and struggles with mental health.
"I had a 5150. I was locked up in a mental hospital seven years ago," Bonar said. "I found a suicide note that I wrote in the sixth grade right after that and realized my whole life I had struggled with depression and I never ever talked about it."
"Then I watched the Robin Williams special, this documentary about his life, and they don't even mention depression. Not a word," Bonar continued. "I thought 'I bet I could get comics to talk about it.'" - The main goal of the event, while shining a light on suicide and depression, is to have the audience connect with and relate to the comics.
"It's always fun to make people laugh but if you can make people laugh and kind of help somebody connect and address and issue that they have that maybe they've been afraid to talk about in the past, then it's even better," said comedian Tony Le. "It's very exciting for me and it's kind of helpful for myself as well to be introspective."
- While the holidays can be hard for some people, it's actually a myth suicides peak in December. In 2021, researchers with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center claimed December was actually the month with the lowest amount of suicides. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) supports this claim, saying instead suicides peak yearly during spring.
Despite this, the holiday season can be hard for many individuals, especially those who are grieving.
"The seasons are hard," said Bonar. "We were just talking, my wife and I, about how Christmas isn't the same for us because my dad has passed away, kids grow up, people move out. You try to hold onto those old memories and that stirs up a lot of depression and sorrow for people (during) this time of year, so this is a perfect time to do this."
CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF:
- Web: 1 Degree of Separation: A Funny Look at Depression and Suicide
- Location: Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the suicide and crisis hotline. Click here for more resources available through the National Alliance on Mental Health.
- Sutter County 24-Hour Psychiatric Emergency Services (Crisis Services): (530) 673-8255 or Toll-Free (888) 923-3800
- Sacramento County Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline: (916) 368-3111
- WellSpace Health:
- Nationwide 988
- Sacramento (916) 368-3111
- Auburn (530) 885-2300
- Roseville (916) 773-3111
- Lincoln (916) 645-8866
- 24-Hour Maternal Support Line (916) 681-2907
- To Write Love On Her Arms
MARK EVERY MORNING:
Every morning on ABC10 Morning News, Mark S. Allen shines light on the people making a positive difference in our communities and the world. He also routinely chats with A-list award-winning stars of stage, screen and things-to-be-seen as he offers up entertainment options and what to watch.
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WATCH MORE MARK: Matt Iseman talks about getting through tough times with humor
