Why laughter is one of the best mental health “medicines”

We all know the old adage…

Laughter is the best medicine.

We can all use a good laugh. But this advice isn’t cliché according to a new study.

It turns out it could be one of the best things you can do for your well-being and mental health.

According to a study published in the journal, Brain and Behavior, research suggests that a treatment incorporating comedy and laughter could be a powerful tool in mental health care.

This extensive study was conducted on a wide range of integrative therapies—with a focus on humor-based approaches (such as clown therapy and laughter yoga).

The results determined that “humor therapy” can significantly enhance treatment for mild cases of anxiety and depression.

That puts a new spin on laughter being a form of medicine, right?!

Note that the study talked about mild cases of anxiety and depression—which is still no laughing matter.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7 MILLION adults over the age of 65 experience depression each year!

Many take antidepressants to manage their depression. But those can be tricky—and dangerous.

Recently, research found that a top antidepressant showed no benefits… and, in fact, even increased the risk of DEATH among adults that show dementia-related symptoms.

Laugher can be a powerful tool for your mental health. But if you are taking antidepressants I encourage you to explore natural alternatives.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), St. John’s Wort, and even omega-3 fatty acids have all been found to improve your mood without the side effects of antidepressant drugs.

If you’re considering any of these, be sure to talk with your doctor. And never stop a current medication without consulting with your primary care or alternative health doctor.

To your mental health,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Study Finds. “Laughter really is the best medicine: Humor therapy effectively treats anxiety, depression.” https://studyfinds.org/laughter-best-medicine-depression/

Villines, Zawn. “6 natural antidepressants: Are they effective?” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/6-natural-antidepressants

Cirino, Erica. “Depression and Aging.” https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/elderly-and-aging