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.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:19pm
People aren't responding to the idea of being interested in or passionate about theater. Most people on this board are passionate about theater. They're responding to your stated feelings about being so emotionally dependent upon theater that your life is depressing at all times when you're not experiencing it. That's an issue.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:27pm
I used to be sort of the same way with my select few shows; whenever I wasn't seeing something live, I was obsessively browsing online for clips and bootlegs, partly to help get my mind off of things going on in my real life. It's really not healthy, which I realize now; I've broadened my interests a bit and am also learning all about the beautiful thing we like to call "socializing."
I've found that expanding your interests can help with depression, to be honest. The more you have to live for, the happier you are overall. For instance, I've been looking for movies, books, shows, etc. that aren't exactly musical-related and allowing myself to get excited for those so that my mind isn't on musicals 24/7. (Star Wars is a major non-musical thing I'm pumped for right now, for example!) It's perfectly okay to enjoy musicals; I know I do. The problem, though, lies when that's all you have to look forward to in life, you know? It's always good to find more things in the world to be excited about.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 3:47pm
Braniff, you asked a question as the subject of your thread. We're answering you as best as we can. If you expected different answers, I guess you're not really ready for advice.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 6:02pm
I would think you'd be thrilled that people cared enough about your first post, about being DEPRESSED, to respond in the ways they have....out of CONCERN.
If you only wanted to talk about being passionate about theater, that's what your thread should have actually asked about People respond to what your write, not what you meant. I'm passionate about theater, it's a part of nearly every day. But not only in NY, nor only b'way.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 6:16pm
Ok, so I'm taking the overall consensus here is don't make Broadway the sole focus of your life. Ok sure thanks for the input. I'll take that into consideration.
Updated On: 10/26/15 at 06:16 PM
Posted: 10/26/15 at 6:26pm
Well, depression is a serious and debilitating mental illness - if you feel that theater keeps the black dog away, go for it. Whatever works.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 6:37pm
I couldn't agree more, Jay Lerner-Z. Broadway will always be there. We all need something to get us through the day, whether it's the first cup of coffee in the morning or seeing a show.
Posted: 10/26/15 at 7:05pm
Hi, Braniff,
Having just returned home from a "4 shows in 3 days" weekend in NYC, I understand it's hard to get back to the hum drum of everyday life. NYC and Broadway is fun and glamorous! But I would gently suggest you see your doctor and discuss your feelings with her/him. You might benefit from an antidepressant and/or counseling.
You might want to also try some activities such as acting lessons or improv to express your creative side. Either way, I wish you the best.
