Depression and Broadway

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 9:52am

Do you ever find that your life is depressing unless it revolves around Broadway or planning to go to Broadway? I know that seems like a strange observation. I guess I just like the whole Broadway experience from the stories and songs explored to the whole NYC experience (I don't live in NYC but get there 2-3 times a month.

do you ever feel that your friends and family don't understand or support your Broadway obsession? Do they not understand how important it is to you? 

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 9:54am

I guess another question to this thread would be, "what draws you to Broadway? Why does it matter to you do much?"

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 9:57am

Talk to a therapist, or a teacher, or an adult you can trust.

[Bell0708]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 9:57am

I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm obsessed with Broadway, but I do know what watching anything Broadway related on You Tube and reading about Broadway, listening to soundtracks, helps me cope with how sucky life can be sometimes.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 10:23am

If you are using it as a substitution for life, or to avoid things, that's definitely something to talk to a professional about.  A passion should not interfere with life.  Obsession is not a good thing, no matter how wonderful the subject.

 

As to why I love it?  It's art I understand, it's art I can participate in.  I'd rather surround myself with art than math, or science or politics.  However, those things are still important and part of life.

 

[newintown]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 10:49am

Guidelines for a well-rounded life:

[Kad]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 11:59am

TNEEWSBWRBVRLL is such an unwieldy acronym, though.

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 11:59am

newintown said: "Guidelines for a well-rounded life:

 

 

Thanks for this one, I'll have to write this down and remember it!"

I do know that today I had to wake up at 3AM and have to work for 11 hours and my job is at times boring so it's easy for my mind to wander. Sleep deprivation intensifies negative feelings I believe. So, I guess the answer is get more sleep if possible. 

 

[TerrenceIsTheMann]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 12:03pm

I too deal with things like depression and sleep deprivation. You have to find something you love that is a more active thing. Personally, I like to do various things. Listen to music, play sports, watch shows, go to the library, read, write, find something with a large fan base other than broadway, watch netflix. There are so many great things out there. It's when you have a one-track mind that your depression is the worst. Expand your boundaries. 

[newintown]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 12:05pm

"TNEEWSBWRBVRLL is such an unwieldy acronym, though."

 

To say the least, although it does fit the fad for acronyms on this site.

 

You could always use a mnemonic device. Like "The Naughty Executive Explored Walter's Sensual Backside With Really Big Violets Radiating Lavender Light."

Updated On: 10/22/15 at 12:05 PM

[hork]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 3:36pm

newintown said: ""TNEEWSBWRBVRLL is such an unwieldy acronym, though."

 

 

 

To say the least, although it does fit the fad for acronyms on this site.

 

 

 

You could always use a mnemonic device. Like "The Naughty Executive Explored Walter's Sensual Backside With Really Big Violets Radiating Lavender Light."

 

LOL!

[Caitiecait92]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 4:00pm

I find myself depressed for a day or two after I see a certain show. I don't think my family and friends understand my obsession with Broadway. A Broadway show to me gives me the opportunity to escape from the everyday struggles I encounter. I admit I do begin planning my trip the moment I purchase tickets, and it more or less motivates me to get my work done. When I do get depressed after a show I find myself listening to the cast recording on repeat, reading Broadway related articles online, and watching YouTube videos, and most importantly plan which show I will be seeing next!

[BroadwayFan12]

Posted: 10/22/15 at 6:04pm

I used to, but now that my life is more stable, not as much.

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 10:40am

Yes, I feel less depressed because I have my next trip to Broadway planned for this coming Wednesday. Earlier when I originated this post there was a little more to my depression and Broadway than I wanted to post in a public (anonymous forum).... But I'm excited to be going to A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE and sitting on the stage this coming Wednesday. I think sitting on the stage sounds like fun to me and very non-depressing, like being a part of the action. I believe that's what I want, is to be included in part of the action, lol. I'm no dumb dumb and learn fast. Another thing I like about buying a Broadway ticket for the future is the anticipation of getting to go for however many days or weeks that might be. It's like having something to live for (well maybe not that drastic, but I hope you get the idea) 

[TerrenceIsTheMann]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 1:19pm

Braniff, I can't help but disagree with the idea of that. You should have other things to get you through the day to day. Shows are excellent, but they should only be so much a part of you. I don't want to ask where you live, but maybe see if there is a local theater scene. Even if you're not an actor you can work backstage or usher or something like that.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 1:43pm

Many  people have things that they look forward to with great anticipation and always want to have that experience ready when the last one is over. Some like to travel, some go on a retreat, some go to sporting events, you get my drift. But, in the down time, if you're depressed, then I don't think it's great news.

Going to theater sounds like it's a little too important to you.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 1:43pm

double post

Updated On: 10/26/15 at 01:43 PM

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 1:56pm

I'm paraphrasing....but I heard the playwright Terrence McNally say in a podcast that theater is basically like we are sitting around the campfire and "they" (grown-ups, counsellors, whoever) is telling us a story. We are enraptured, pay attention, listen and enjoy. That sums up my experience at the theater. I used to be very interested in films and screenwriting, even writing a first draft of a screenplay. But then this year I discovered live theater in NYC and thought, you know, this appeals to me more than just watching a movie or TV. I get to see/hear storytelling but it is with live, real people, not just images of filmed actors. That's why I like theater more than film or TV. Look at how much TV and films people watch (even how much they troll FB and read about other's lives). This is why I like theater because it gives me something to do much as TV or film gives many others something to do. Let's face it. How many of us have such exciting lives that we no longer want to watch or read a story unfold? I mean, what else is there? Exercise? Sleeping? Sex? Work? Eating? I like all of those things too, but I also like being entertained. 

[newintown]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 1:59pm

"I mean, what else is there?"

 

Volunteering

Reading

Learning

Telling your own stories

Writing

Painting

Composing

Playing an instrument

Gardening

Conversing

Observing

 

That's just a few that I can recommend.

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 2:08pm

Those are good suggestions, and I appreciate them. I like writing, taking pictures and have done some paintings in the past. I even have tried my hand at cooking before. As an only child of the 1980's I was relieved to discover reading in the early 80's as a way to experience other times and places and feel less lonely. I've always been one to take a book wherever I go. That way, I'll always have some form of entertainment. 

[After Eight]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 2:36pm

"I mean, what else is there?"

 

How about just going outside or looking out your window to enjoy all the beautiful things that nature has to offer?

 

The old shows always give us the wisest advice. From Good News:

 

"The moon belongs to everyone,

The best things in life are free..."

 

It's true.

 

I hope you succeed in finding happiness both inside and outside of theatres.

 

 

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 2:59pm

I hope you find happiness inside your butthole. 

[Braniff Forever]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:05pm

You know, the replies here have surprised me, somewhat. I thought they would be more sympathetic, along the lines of "oh, I agree with you. I go through the same things myself." Instead, people seem to think I need to do something different, that loving theater is somehow not an important thing to be concerned with and that I need to be focused on other things in my life. Interesting. So why do people even post and read things on this site if they are not interested in theater? If there are so many other more important and fulfilling things going on in life, why are we here in this virtual community? 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:08pm

Girl. If you're that depressed and only theatre can pull you out of that, you need professional help. And I do not mean that in a rude, offensive way. But you really should NOT be seeking solace in theatre or guidance online. You need to speak with a specialist... 

[Hellob]

Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:19pm

Is the depression only bc of shows or is it not being in NYC? I get a little blue for a day after returning from a weekend in NYC bc I love being where I feel so alive and wish I could live there. Do you only do broadway in NYC? I'd be bored if that's all I did.