Therapeatricals - theatre as therapy

I've done a quick search and can't find anything on the subject of 'theatre as therapy' or for the purpose of the thread, something I'm calling 'therapeatricals'; in short, using theatre as a means to cope with life, death, happiness, grief.  I appreciate that there are drama therapists and music therapists out there, however this thread is more intended to be about our own stories and experiences rather than through a therapist. 

I'm happy to get the ball rolling, but anticipate that this could potentially become a 'deep disclosure' thread if there is enough interest, so please only share what you are comfortable sharing.

I think I have probably unwittingly used theatre as an emotional outlet since I was a child.  I came from a large family with a strict, overbearing, emotionally detached dad, and a loving mum who enjoyed a drink or two as a means of escape.  She introduced me to theatre and I guess I became an alibi for her own means of coping with a difficult marriage and home life.  As an adult, I have used theatre as a means of education for my children as well as my own emotional support during a very difficult divorce several years ago.

I found as my own life was turned upside down, having to leave my home and children in the hands of a manipulative ex, theatre became an outlet to channel what I realise now was grief.  The fear of going home to an an empty house, my children wondering where their dad was, the thought of my children even sharing the same space as another man, all drove me to seek solace in theatre, where I could switch my brain off from the whirring spin of anxiety, anger, fear and loathing.  Instead, I could experience somebody else's story.  I saw epic tragedies, the funniest comedies.  I embraced many musicals, one of which (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Drury Lane) filled the void of laughter and happiness in the absence of my children until I next saw them.  My epiphany moment was to see the first production of "A Christmas Carol" at the Old Vic, which taught me about the need to forgive others and the power of redemption as a healing force to live a better life.

All of these experiences served to heal and move me forward, and I think they made me a better person by teaching me, through the lives of others, what miracle it is simply to exist and survive in this sometimes wretched but often beautiful world.

If you've got this far, I hope I haven't bored you!  I would be interested to hear the stories of others, if willing to share, to understand how theatre has helped you during your life, in whatever capacity or way.