Comedian shares personal anecdotes about bipolar disorder

October 23, 2006 —

The Rhea Miller Recital Hall came to life with laughter as mental illness comedian Paul Jones gave a comedic spin on his bipolar disorder. Jones' performance was part of Wednesday's Social Work Awareness Day at SVSU.

A stand-up comedian for the last 17 years, Jones used jokes and referred to himself as "Bipolar Boy" as he delivered his message about mental illness.

Through personal stories, he shared how his "unconventional approach" to sharing his disorder has actually helped others understand mental illness and motivated them to obtain more knowledge about it.

Jones' main message was that mental illness is real, but not something to be afraid of. He relays his message by comparing mental illness with other diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

"If I said I had cancer, people would bring me casseroles," he said. "But if I said I was mentally ill, they would give me a paddle with a ball attached on the end; minus the paddle."

In regards to how to treat someone with depression, Jones says do not tell him or her to "snap out of it."

Once again, he offered a comparison with cancer and diabetes.

"You wouldn't tell someone to 'snap out' of their diabetes," he said, "so why would you tell them to 'snap out' of their depression?"

Jones also said that self-medication is not the answer to the problem. He explained that he learned that lesson the hard way, as he used to try to kill himself by drinking four bottles of red wine at a time.

Jones says when one self-medicates, they are only temporarily putting their problems aside. The problem itself will still be there to deal with when they wake up the next day.

When asked what he would want to tell college students, Jones responded by saying, "If they feel that they are the only ones that feel that way, they aren't."

To find out more about Jones or to get information regarding mental illness, visit Jones' Web site at bipolarboy.com.