Bringing awareness to mental illness

We went to Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center May 16 to view the exhibit, Through our lens: personal stories of mental illness. The event by Meeting Place Clubhouse featured 28 photographs and artwork from fourteen of its members. Guests enjoyed complimentary tray passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks along with the powerful art that was displayed throughout. There were also several performances on stage to entertain the crowd.

The exhibit coincided with Mental Health Month to bring awareness to the stigma of mental illness. Statistically one out of every four adults in the United States will be affected by a mental illness at some point in their lives. Fundraising shirts were sold that said, “It’s pronounced… [MEN. tl IL . nis] n. NOT [KREY.zee] adj. on the back and had four figures with one colored green and the phrase, “One in four” on the front.

One side of the room displayed the photos of the participants, posed in a way that expressed their feelings in regards to how they’re treated by others. Nate Nicholson wore a mask in his photograph to express how he felt like a monster when his boss called him “crazy” after finding out about his mental illness. These photos were displayed in black and white.

On the other side of the room the photos were of participants smiling, in color and expressed stories of who they are, not how others judge them. In Orlando Chavez’ photograph, he wrote about meeting his friend Matt at the Clubhouse and how their friendship grew. He then stated, “I have schizophrenia and I am a good friend.”

The Meeting Place is a place for adults with a diagnosed mental health disorder to join their peers and make use of their strengths, talents and abilities. For more information go to: themeetingplaceinc.org

The National Comedy Theatre celebrated being the longest continuously running show in the history of San Diego Saturday May 18 with their 3,823rd show. Triple Espresso, who had performed 3,822 performances in 11 years, previously held the title. In honor of this milestone, Chairman Greg Cox and the members of San Diego County Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 18 National Comedy Theatre Day.

The style of the show is similar to “Whose line is it anyway.” The audience is engaged throughout the show and is asked to provide topics, songs, events in history and random information that pertains to the “game” that is chosen. The comedians are split into two teams, competing against each other. The results are the most random of topics being acted out, sung or mimed.

That night, one of the games played was called “magic.” The audience was asked for something you were told as a child not to do, a headline about a current celebrity and a saying or phrase you might see on a bumper sticker. They then mixed “Don’t lie,” “Kim Kardashian is pregnant” and “Be Here Now” in a Gregorian chant. After both teams have competed in a segment the audience is then asked to clap and cheer for their favorite crew to determine who the winner is. At the end of each game the team with the most points wins. It’s a great show that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Be sure to arrive early, as street parking can be tough. You’ll definitely have a good laugh but as we experienced, we can’t promise you a Kardashian-free evening. They also offer classes, kids and teen camps and an unrated night on Saturday evenings. For more information about NCT go to nationalcomedy.com.