'Know of a very funny "mental health" joke or something?
A large church group (it will be women and men) asked me to give a twenty-minute talk...sharing my experience with my mental illness. (I'm bipolar, but it will be on mental health in general.) Obviously it can't be insulting, but needs to help focus them on the important things I want to share, following the opening. I just want to relax them up a bit ... help get past some of the outdated stigmas associated with mental illness.
Any other tips or thoughts on this???
Thanks for your thoughts and time!
2006-09-26 03:01:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
If you're not shy about your own experience with your mental illness, maybe start with a story about one of your own experiences -- and if it's something that can make the group laugh, that would be better.
One of the things with mental illness is no one wants to admit they have a problem with it, and it's still a tense subject, even in this enlightened day and age. There's a stigma related to counseling, psychologists, etc. When people hear the, "I'm an average, everyday Joe and it happened to me," it makes them feel better if they're going through it, too -- especially if the "Joe" talking has been able to deal with their mental illness and live a "normal" life (whatever that may be).
Telling one of your own stories/experiences will help them connect to you and relate to you better -- and will help show them mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.
2006-09-26 03:11:51 · answer #1 · answered by Lauren L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A "joke" may not be the best things to do. It could alienate your audience because mental illness is misunderstood and there is still a stigma attached to it.
As Jesus healed lepers, the blind, and many other physical ailments, He can help with an illness inside the head. One of the disciples was a doctor, so medicine is respected.
2006-09-26 10:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by northernbornsoutherner 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found a website that has allegedly funny, clean jokes about psychiatrists. You could start there. Don't listen to all those humorless types who think jokes aren't funny when you are talking about mental illness. Both my father and sister are psychiatrists and everybody says we are all crazy. My whole family likes a good joke. It will help to put people at their ease before you get the serious meat of your speech.
2006-09-26 10:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
"A funny thing happened on my way hear,(you got their attention) I forgot where I was going " (now that you have their attention,you can explain why statements like this are not funny at all.) Maybe you have a story that you can share if this has ever happened to you. You will put them at ease because they will identify with what you are saying. Just be sincere and honest and everything else will fall into place. Good luck.
2006-09-26 10:16:11 · answer #4 · answered by mrsreadalot 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would talk with your doctor about what to say. I would also give your personal experiences. Not what others have experience but you. How has your church family helped you? How can they help you when you are having an up or down moment.
2006-09-26 10:09:31 · answer #5 · answered by Trollhair 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just stand and tell them about your self and then talk about how the bipolar has made your life different from all the other people you know.
this will be OK for you to start with.
and don't forget to smile.
and you can make a funny about your self if you think that will help.
2006-09-26 10:13:29 · answer #6 · answered by DENISE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to be relatable. Make them feel comfortable with who you are (usually done with humorous anectdotes) and that will "warm" to you and bring acceptance.
But, it needs to be genuine and not forced. If they sence you are uncomfortable they will be too. Be yourself and you can't lose.
2006-09-26 10:18:51 · answer #7 · answered by Delta Charlie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
saw a t shirt that said 'i have alzheimers but at least idont have alzheimers'
2006-09-28 12:56:16 · answer #8 · answered by Jo D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/trillian/humor.asp
2006-09-26 10:10:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋