FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-08-035-SC
September 21, 2007
Comedian Presents Autobiographical Show on Depression Winston Churchill called it his "black dog." Actress Brooke Shields battled it after the birth of her daughter and comedian Jim Carrey took medication in order to get through its peaks and valleys. Every year depression afflicts more than 18 million Americans, but on October 3, 2007 at the College of the Canyons Performing Art Center, professional comedian Brian Wetzel's one-man autobiographical show "Side-by-Side: A Journey with Depression-A Funny Look at Serious Survival," will help point out the silver lining. Sponsored by the college's Student Nutrition and wellness Advocates at COC (SNAC) program and the Student Health and Wellness Center, "Side by Side" has also been presented at Stanford University and Napa State Mental Hospital. "So many students are silently struggling with depression - feeling overwhelmed, alone, and hopeless," said Sheri Barke, nutrition and wellness coordinator at the college. "Often, these feelings lead to drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, and other addictions; or they can be translated into rage, self-harm, and abuse of others. Sometimes, the consequences can be deadly as was seen with the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech earlier this year." Wetzel's career as a professional comedian and speaker was challenged by his 20-year struggle with clinical depression and subsequent addiction. It wasn't until after a stay at an emergency psychiatric clinic and visit with a psychiatrist who had a thick French accent, that Wetzel started finding the humor in his condition. Wetzel's one-man show, "Side by Side," blends his comedic talent and experiences with depression on the stage, taking his audience on a journey filled with laughter, truth and hope. "We hope this event will help sufferers feel understood and more hopeful about treatment and that it will raise community members' awareness about depression so they can detect early warning signs and intervene appropriately," added Barke. "Side by Side" will take the stage from 4:30 to 6 p.m. followed by a Q&A until 6:30 p.m. Admission is free but a donation of $5 is suggested. For more information, please call Sheri Barke at (661) 362-3244. Note: Content and themes may not be suitable for younger audiences. | 
