We’ve all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” But can it genuinely help people dealing with depression and anxiety?
A recent analysis published in Brain and Behavior suggests that there might be some truth to this old adage.
What the Research Says
The investigation looked at 29 studies, encompassing nearly 3,000 participants from nine different countries. These weren’t just everyday folks; the participants were diverse.
They included children about to undergo surgery, elderly people in nursing homes, individuals battling Parkinson’s or cancer, those with mental health conditions, patients on dialysis, retired women, and even college students.
Researchers delved into various forms of humor therapy. Some participants experienced laughter therapy or laughter yoga, where guided laughter exercises are used to elicit genuine amusement.
Others encountered medical clowns, professionals trained to provide comedic relief in medical settings.
The results? Many participants felt that these humor interventions indeed helped alleviate their symptoms of depression and anxiety.
However, it’s essential to note that not everyone found the effects noteworthy. Some felt that while humor therapy was enjoyable, it didn’t make a significant dent in their feelings of sadness or worry.
Why Consider Humor Therapy?
While humor might not replace traditional treatments for depression and anxiety, it does offer a complementary approach.
It’s a simple, often cost-effective method that doesn’t require medication or extensive therapy sessions. Plus, the side effects? Well, they’re mostly just giggles and smiles.
The authors of the study believe that humor therapy holds potential, especially when combined with standard treatment plans.
“As a straightforward and feasible complementary alternative therapy, humor therapy may offer a beneficial option for clinicians, nurses, and patients in the future,” they noted.
Final Thoughts
In a world where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, finding various ways to tackle these challenges is crucial.
While humor therapy might not be the answer for everyone, it does provide another tool in the arsenal against depression and anxiety.
So, next time you’re feeling down or stressed, perhaps try watching a comedy or sharing a joke with a friend. It might just be the dose of ‘medicine’ you need.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
The study was published in Brain and Behavior.
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