Julian Clary on easing anxiety: “I just forgot to have a panic attack!”
Mar 10, 2025
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Comedian Julian Clary, known for his vibrant performances in pantomime and cabaret, shares his unique take on navigating anxiety with humor. He discusses how laughter has helped him confront dark times and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as he ages. Julian challenges societal norms about therapy, quizzing Fearne on her experiences, while revealing his unconventional views on creativity and outrage. Together, they navigate the complexities of sleep issues, coping mechanisms, and the liberating realization that not everything is as crucial as it seems.
Julian Clary emphasizes the therapeutic power of comedy, highlighting how laughter helps him cope with personal grief and anxiety.
Through a challenging, accidental adventure with his children, Julian learns the importance of confronting fears for personal growth and laughter.
As people age, Julian discovers an increased comfort in their skin, leading to a calmer perspective on life's challenges and worries.
Deep dives
The Therapeutic Power of Comedy
Comedy serves as a powerful form of therapy, providing relief during difficult times. The experience of performing on stage allows comedians to escape their troubles, focusing solely on making people laugh amidst challenging personal circumstances, such as the loss of loved ones. Julian Clary reflects on his journey through the AIDS crisis and how humor helped him navigate grief while working as a comedian. For those moments on stage, the chaotic emotions of life are temporarily set aside, and the embrace of laughter becomes a healing refuge.
Facing Fears Through Exposure Therapy
Julian shares a humorous yet harrowing experience of an accidental treetop adventure with his children that turned into an exposure therapy session. Mistakenly booking an adult course instead of a child-friendly one led to a high-stakes day filled with anxiety for himself and his daughter, while his son thrived in the challenge. This daunting experience ultimately taught them to confront fears, leading to personal growth and laughter once safely back on solid ground. Clary advises others to double-check their bookings to avoid similar misadventures, but highlights the unexpected benefits of facing fears head-on.
Finding Peace in Aging
As people grow older, they often find themselves becoming more comfortable in their own skin, leading to a natural increase in happiness. Julian emphasizes that with age comes the realization that many worries are not as significant as once believed, fostering a sense of calm and acceptance. This perspective shift allows individuals to take life less seriously, understanding that even embarrassing moments are not the end of the world. Clary reflects on how embracing this mindset contributes to his well-being and overall outlook on life as he navigates through both personal and professional challenges.
Managing Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Julian discusses his previous struggles with panic attacks, particularly in social situations and while driving. Through therapy and time, he learned techniques to manage his anxiety, ultimately finding comfort in the idea that these feelings can fade with age and experience. Reflecting on the debilitating nature of anxiety and panic, he conveys a sense of empowerment that comes from learning to confront and understand these challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness and coping mechanisms in overcoming anxiety, showing that many find support through professional help and personal reflection.
The Complexities of Fame and Self-Identity
Fame can often lead individuals into a world of inflated self-importance and scrutiny, making it challenging to maintain genuine self-identity. Julian recalls the duality of being both celebrated and critiqued during his rise in the entertainment industry, which created moments of profound internal conflict. Despite navigating the pressures of public life, he finds solace in the stability of his personal relationships and creative pursuits, like writing. By emphasizing the need for balance between public perception and personal happiness, Clary's insights reveal the ongoing journey of self-discovery inherent in a life in the spotlight.
Can laughter ease anxiety? Comedian Julian Clary certainly thinks so. After living through some incredibly dark events and anxious times, he’s decided to choose to laugh and think positive thoughts.
In this chat with Fearne, Julian talks about feeling naturally happier and more comfortable in his skin as he got older. Most things, he says, just aren’t as important as you think they are, and that’s a freeing realisation. Julian also explains why he’s embraced causing outrage and even offence.
Fearne and Julian share how they’ve each combatted poor sleep, and the sleeping aids, medications, and techniques that have worked for them. Plus, Julian’s not a massive fan of therapy, so he turns the tables on Fearne and quizzes her about her experience of it...
A Fistful of Clary, Julian’s western-themed stand-up tour, will be heading out round the UK from 30th April. Get your tickets now: julianclary.co.uk
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