The Mental Health Benefits of Humor

Dr. Jim Stout has had plenty of “excuses” to quit or give up on life:

• Enduring severe, ongoing emotional and sexual abuse in childhood

• Traumatic treatment by a high school football coach and several churches

• Eight knee surgeries (involving two total knee replacements)

• A heart stent

• Being hit by broadside by a car in 2014 A 2014, totaling his van and causing concussions and two years of doctors’ appointments and physical therapy

• Diabetes

But he has used humor as a survival and recovery tool in spite of numerous “obstacles.” Laughing is like jogging inside!

A merry heart makes good medicine"
—Proverbs 17:22

… the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
—Proverbs 15:15

If you’ve ever wondered about the healing possibilities of humor enough to look into it, you may have discovered its curative powers have been under scrutiny for hundreds of years. Since humor has been a part of all societies throughout centuries, it’s not surprising that physicians have noted its healing effects and advocated its use against various maladies, those physical as well as mental. As a result of some studies, it was suggested that humor:

• Makes difficult situations or circumstances seem more manageable.

• Appears to positively change our brain chemistry and strengthen the immune system function.

• Helps to reduce pain.

• Reduces the negative effects of an accident or illness and helps provide a positive impact on healing and wellness.

Over the past few decades, a closer look at humor and mental illness has shown findings that have also aided in a better awareness of the positive effects of humor on mental health and recovery. There is growing evidence that having a well-developed sense of humor increases our chances of being mentally healthy. Various studies are telling us that humor:

• May be our best coping tool and defense mechanism.

• Provides an effective way to moderate and manage stress.

• Breaks down social barriers and improves the interpersonal process.

• Releases our fears and anger.

• Builds up our self-esteem.

• Improves positive emotions.

• Generally improves the quality of life.

The most beneficial and powerful kind of humor, scientists suggest, is positive and creates smiles and produces laughter to help aid healing. Cynical humor, the kind that is at the expense of others, is unhealthy and never recommended.

You don’t find humor in many situations. But you can use humor to deal with most of the toughest situations.
—adapted from quote by Trevor Noah of The Daily Show 

It may be easier to use humor on the days that we’re feeling good, of course, but it’s really important for us to learn to use this important tool on days that are not so good—days when we feel stressed. When we can access our sense of humor in the midst of stress, we learn to be more emotionally resilient, more flexible, and remain mentally healthy. In essence, humor helps to lighten our load and stay mentally healthy.