9 Ways Humor Heals
Tuesday June 3, 2008
Categories: Mental Health
Of all my tools to combat depression and negativity, humor is by far the most fun. And just like mastering the craft of writing, I'm finding that the longer I practice laughing at life—and especially it's frustrations--the better I...
Filed Under: Beliefnet Community, Beyond Blue, bipolar disorder, comic relief, depression, depression blog, Group Beyond Blue, humor, mental health, Therese Borchard
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It worked for me! I was starting to slide--more like careen downhill when my therapist was out of town. She told me to go to utube.com and recommended Tracy Ullman, Ellen Degeneres. Just try one because it will lead you to a whole lotta other funny links. I resisted at first, didn't think such a simple answer could ease my frame of mind. I was not in a mood to be happy. Before long I was laughing along and was able to get myself out of the funk, "Life sucks and then you die" mindframe. So, every once in awhile I watch something again. Also, if I can find a tv show on reruns, or a current one that prods a smile out of my belly. (Can't believe I'm advocating what I once called Brain Rot!). I'll choose that over the news or some drama-especially the ones where someone with a mental illness is portrayed as the antagonist. As far as exercise, it sure beats crunches!
Thanks for the advice, Therese! I think I consciously need to remember to laugh more often--there are just so many benefits! This is one thing I can put on my list of "things to do" that will be enjoyable and well worth it.Thanks! Valerie
This is absolutely one of the best articles I have seen regarding the healthy effects of humor. We all need to learn to laugh more and how sad it is to think that people actually need to be taught HOW to laugh.
Children know this instinctively...........nothing warms my heart more than to hear the deep belly laugh of a baby. One of my fondest memories is of the song "I Love To Laugh" sung by Ed Wynn I believe in the movie "Chitty Chitty Bang-Bang". I went around singing that silly thing for the longest kind of time and every now and then it comes to mind just out of the blue. Another favorite of mine is the movie "Patch Adams". I belong to a group called "The Fellowship of Merry Christians" and it is absolutely one of the most uplifting things I have ever been a part of. There have been a lot of things that have happened in my life that has caused my spirits to hit BELOW rock bottom. Without humor I would have been buried down there long ago! I have a t-shirt that is one of my favorites........written on it's front is this message, "Take a giggle break." That's one of the
mottos I try to live by each day.
My husband went to a night club to drink with a friend of mine and he
forgot his wallet. That's funny. He wore the wrong pair of pants.
When my husband told me to do something in front of a friend, I stated
You don't want to be lazy like David do you? he laughed.
Even though we are divorced, I see him often as a friend. We started
as friends and end up that way. It does last longer when there is a need.
See the funny side of your self too. My four kids laughed at me. It
makes you feel better. Giggle when it is humorous too.
Sing that song..."Don't Worry, Be Happy" and make up your own words. I'm a little twisted so I can find humour in the most bizarre situations. The more outrageous...the better. BBC is a good start. I just love the dry English wit!
AWESOME!
Here is my link over 100 cartoons I've done for Mental Health Humor.
( http://mentalhealthhumor.today.com/site-map )
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