Adam Rogers, a 41-year-old resident of Chapeltown, Sheffield, has utilized stand-up comedy as a form of exposure therapy to manage his general anxiety disorder. After receiving his diagnosis in 2019, Rogers performed his first comedy set in December 2025, a milestone he pursued as part of a bucket list created to mark his upcoming 40th birthday.
Using Comedy as Exposure Therapy
For Rogers, stepping onto a stage was a deliberate effort to confront his anxiety. He described the experience of performing in front of an audience of 200 people as both the “scariest” and most “liberating” action he has taken. According to Rogers, the five-minute set felt significantly longer due to the intensity of the environment. Despite the anxiety-inducing nature of the performance, he reported gaining a “sense of freedom” by actively challenging his comfort zone.
Building Momentum Through Open Mics
Since his debut performance in late 2025, Rogers has continued to pursue stand-up, completing 11 gigs across various comedy clubs and open mic nights. This consistent engagement serves as a practical application of his goal to tackle the condition that had impacted his life since his 2019 diagnosis. By creating a bucket list of experiences he missed out on in his younger years, Rogers has turned his milestone birthday into a catalyst for lifestyle changes.
FAQ: Understanding Anxiety and Performance
- What is the link between comedy and anxiety? For Rogers, it serves as “exposure therapy,” forcing him to face fear directly.
- How many times has Adam Rogers performed? As of the latest reports, he has taken the stage 11 times.
- When was Rogers diagnosed with anxiety? He received his diagnosis for general anxiety disorder in 2019.
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