THE connection between drug or alcohol misuse and mental health will be combined with humour at a free comedy night on Thursday.
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Comedians Melissa de Silva and Zac Anderson will share their experiences and keep the audience entertained in the show All Tears are Different.
Both comedians have their own experience of mental illness, but after finding appropriate clinical support they now use their experiences as material for their comedy routines.
Orange musician Phoebe Parsons will support the Sydney-based comedians at the event in the Blue Room at the Orange City Bowling Club from 6pm to 8.30pm.
It is the fifth of six forums that Lyndon, in partnership with Marathon Health and Partners in Recovery, has been funded to deliver to Central West communities.
Partners in Recovery Consortium spokeswoman Sandra Chrystall said the evening would shine a light on services that were available to help people living with their own or someone else’s mental health, alcohol or drug problem, but it would be relaxed and entertaining.
“It’s really about people understanding the relationship between drug or alcohol misuse and mental health problems,” Ms Chrystall said.
“Sometimes it can get very dry and very formal, but with the comics, they don’t have drug or alcohol problems, but were living with mental health [issues]. Having those first-hand experiences has helped open communication up and helped people ask questions, and it’s also been very effective for the comics themselves.”
Ms Chrystall said humour was a great way to breakdown stereotypes and fear, and break through barriers much faster than other methods of public education and consultation.
“There will be time for people to ask questions, tell us what, if any, changes they’d like to see to the delivery of local mental health, alcohol and other drug services.” she said.
The comedy night is an alcohol-free event but refreshments will be provided.
To help with catering RSVP by email to schrystall@lyndon.org.au.
tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au