"I believe those who have not been clinically depressed got empathy, those who treat the depressed got understanding and ideas about treatment,and those who suffer from it got validation and a feeling that they are understood and not alone. An excellent way to bring depression awareness, education, and maybe even prevention to people."~Donnovan Somera Yisrael, M.A.
Community Health Specialist
Health Promotion Services
Stanford University
Side by Side: A Journey With Depression - a funny look at serious survival is Brian Wetzel's autobiographical one-man live full theatrical stage show with theatrical lighting and sound effects. Since debuting in September of 2004, the show has played venues as diverse as Stanford University and Napa State Mental Hospital. Wetzel was a professional stand-up comedian whose career and personal life were absorbed by his struggle with clinical depression, and subsequent addiction. Bringing his sense of humor and experiences together, Brian takes his audience on a unique journey of laughter, painful truth, and finally, hope. The show runs 2 hours with an intermission and Q&A, but can run straight through at 70 minutes. The show is rated PG-13.