Mental health struggles are no laughing matter but, for many, laughter can help brighten spirits and even serve as a form of therapy. Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor John Archer is all too familiar with the power comedy holds having attended Montreal’s world-famous Just for Laughs Festival for the last 40 years.

“It’s a two-week festival, and every time I’ve left the comedy show I felt so good, a feeling of well-being,” says John. “I try to capture that feeling one way or another every day and it keeps me happy. Comedy is a big part of my life in terms of personal wellness. I've been a long-standing student of comedy and I hope to continue.”

 

Code Comedy

Inspired by his love of comedy and a passion to support a good cause, John organizes (and performs at) Code Comedy, a night of stand-up hosted at the Atwater Club that raises funds for the Prevention and Early Intervention of Psychosis Program (PEPP) through the Montreal General Hospital Foundation. Last year’s event had a sold-out crowd of 125, and raised an impressive $11,250.

PEPP offers community-based, tertiary care and treatment for individuals 16 to 35 years of age who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. It provides patients and their families with quick, easy access to treatment to support the recovery process through collaboration between patients, families and the PEPP team.

“I don’t just want to raise funds for this important program – one that literally saves the lives of young adults who have become untethered from reality – but I also want to help stimulate a conversation around the benefits of comedy on one’s mental health,” says John. “Speaking from personal experience, I know how happy I feel when I leave a great evening of comedy, and I want to initiate that experience for others as well.”

We sat down with John to learn a bit more about his initiative.         

Why did you choose to support PEPP?  

A friend of mine shared this program with me and, when I thought of young people in my life who have battled mental health, I felt like it was a worthy cause. It facilitates discussion around mental health awareness and support.

How do you believe comedy can positively impact mental health?         

Throughout the year, I attend shows and find comics who would fit my next line up, and when I approach them, you’d be surprised by how many people are impacted by mental health. A young comic was diagnosed with leukemia, and she said humour was the only way she was able to get through it, it was one of the things that kept her going.

What has the reception been like for this event?

The coverage has been fantastic, and the Montreal General Hospital has been very grateful for the support and exposure. The experience has also been uplifting for the audience. There’s not a week that goes by that people don't ask when the next one is, but I only do one a year due to the organizing requirements, it takes a lot. This year’s Code Comedy event will be taking place on October 16, 2024, at the Atwater Club in Montreal, Quebec.

Our headliner, Joey Elias, has been very open about his anxiety struggles and therapy journey, and many people have come up to him afterward to say thanks and express that he’s given them the strength to take the first steps toward wellness.

Any words of advice for those who want to do their part but don't know where to start?

Look for opportunities within your community, I'm very involved with the Atwater Club. It’s given me a body of support and ideas for the mission that I wanted to embark on. Take note of what communities or networks that you're involved with now, and look out for opportunities to make a difference.