Depression/Reactions to Next to Normal?

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:34pm

I have seen Next to Normal a number of times and love it. I have a huge group of friends coming into the city this weekend and I would love to take all of them to see the show (and I'm dying to check out Marin and Jason).

One of these friends has been struggling with depression issues for a number of years now, and while she does not suffer from bipolar disorder, there have been a few dark moments (admittedly, not as dark as anything in the show). I'm always worried about how she'll react to things. In my opinion, the show does a wonderfully realistic, if dramatized, job of portraying bipolar disorder and depression, but I always leave the theater more uplifted than sad at the end of the show.

Obviously none of you knows my friend and cannot predict how she would react, but if anyone could share a story of someone who deals with depression issues and how they reacted to the show, I'd really appreciate it. I would love her to see it and perhaps be uplifted by it, but I cannot really put myself in her place. I understand that this may be a sensitive issue, but if anyone could help, that would be great! Thanks, in advance.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:41pm

I won't see the show until it gets here next January but I have listened to it. (Anyone who has read my posts about it knows I am not a fan of the music but I do plan to see it when it is here)

My suggestion is to ask the group if they want to see it. Find out if this friend, and the group, knows anything about the show. If you want to take them so you can see Marin & Jason, maybe go to see them on your own and take them to something else if they all don't want to see it or you aren't sure if they will enjoy it. JMO

[alliez92092]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:49pm

Cockeyed, I sent you a PM :)

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:57pm

I don't know your friends' personal situation and not sure if this will help but it might. When I saw the show for the 3rd time in october I went with my friend whose brother suffers from a very similar situation as Diana. Obviously not exactly the same since every case is different but very similar in some spots. I had The same concern as you when I took my friend to see it. Anyway, my friend absolutely loved the show after seeing it. She said it very actually very therapeutic to see others going through similar situations. I think if you prep your friend and let her know all about the show an she or he still feels comfortable seeing it then take the chance.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 12:03am

I've had depression since I was about 10 and N2N is my favorite show. It's my safe place emotionally. Even though my specifics are very different from Diana's, I feel like the essence of my story is being told. It has in some ways changed my outlook on life. It has been the most cathartic experience of my life so far. It's given me hope and comfort. It gave me something to hold onto when I had nothing else. I now have a better understanding of my illness and how it affects my family. Everyone's experience with the show is different, but I highly recommend it based on mine.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 12:06am

Thanks for the replies! I should have said, PMs are great if you don't want to share personal experiences in a public forum.

Also, uncageg, I want them to see it because I truly believe it is one of the best things on Broadway at the moment and I haven't taken one person yet who hasn't loved it. I originally had not wanted to see it as I thought it was something I was bound to dislike (wasn't a huge fan of rock musicals...Rent, for example). I ended up loving it and have returned many times and I'd love to expose more people to what can really be a uniquely emotional theatrical experience. It's not all my selfishness in wanting to see Marin and Jason :)

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 12:18am

My reason for wanting to see it is because so many people rave about it. I feel I may like it if I am actually sitting in the theater seeing, hearing and experiencing it. I am actually going to listen to it again this week if the copy at the library is still available.

And yes, I did think a bit that your wanting to take them was partially because you wanted to see the new cast. My bad and my apologies.

[jv92]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 12:43pm

I'll share. Went through a bad bout about a year and a half ago. I dreaded seeing Next to Normal, but when I did, I felt like things would be okay. It's a very hopeful show, I think. I'm excited to see it again with the new cast Thursday night.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 1:02pm

A friend of mine took her friend. She figured that she was relate to Natalie and her stress and difficulties. Instead she related to Diana. A little while after there was an attempted suicide incident. Nothing happened but after that she has been in and out of school.


If you think it could end badly don't go.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 4:26pm

I say just ask your friend. People on a message board, even by sharing stories, can't help you come to a decision.

Explain the show and see if your friend is interested. Also, people with mental health issues are very resilient and don't necessarily need to be handled with kid gloves. Have an open and honest conversation about it and don't be such a caretaker. That helps break down stigma.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 7/21/10 at 9:00am

Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. And thank you, Bettyboy, for helping me realize that being a bit overprotective can do more harm than good. I talked to her about it and we're going to see it on Sunday. Thanks again for everyone's personal replies!