“If you have no anxiety”, the comedian Aparna Nancherla Riffs on stage: “The way I would describe that it is, as, an avant -garde improvisation group in your brain and only needs a single word suggestion to turn, as innumerable scenarios with which no one feels comfortable.”
Nancherla's frankness about this life experience is how he landed at “Anxiety Club”, a new documentary about the Jolt Transmission Platform. The film is immersed in the theme of anxiety, observing a close look and, often uncomfortable. It feels like In the body and brain and the ways of choosing, all from the point of view of the comedians who work. Follow Nancherla, as well as Tiffany Jenkins, Mark Normand, Joe List, Marc Maron, Baron Vaughn and Eva Victor on and off the stage while sailing to write and make comedy, quotes and marriage, take care of young children and advise friends who also have anxiety.
Anxiety affects more than 300 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The filmmaker Wendy Lobel says she has fought with anxiety most of her adult life and wanted to make a film on the subject that would disarm viewers with humor to help promote understanding and healing.
“I think that for people to commit to this issue, whether they have anxiety or love someone, it is easier when it is packaged through comedy,” says Lobel.
Despite popular perception, comedians do not necessarily suffer more than anxiety than the general population, says clinical psychologist Ildiko Tabori, who specializes in the treatment of comedians. But they are qualified only to communicate the anxious experience, she says.
“Comedians are spokesmen for society,” says Tabori. “They are essentially our verification of reality, transmitting experiences of the real world, with a fun inclination and placing it in a scenario where you can connect with them.”
In the film, Tabori adds: “These comedians will show that they can continue to work, even with their anxiety. You can continue to act, you can live your life. And you can use it for your benefit instead of preventing you from doing the things you want to achieve in life.”
We talked with four of the comedians of the film who offered personal anecdotes and advice to deal with anxiety.
This interview has been slightly edited by length and clarity.
