My counseling office is next to my husband’s office. While I have a sound machine that mutes out what is being said, he once asked me why he continually hears laughter coming from my office? He stated, he thought people were upset when they came to see me and could not imagine why they would be laughing. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I utilize laughter in my counseling process until I heard him ask about this. Of course people who see me are struggling, but what better way to help them settle into making changes than through lighthearted laughter!
When a person is in crisis with a mental health challenge, they often feel overwhelmed, isolated, stuck. In other words, their hearts and minds are heavy. I’m not saying Laughter will make all troubles all go away. But I do believe is helps to open a pathway to deal with the challenge and see it through a new filter. There is a positive physiological response in our body when we laugh and are happy. Humor is a therefore a key element in opening a pathway to seeing a new outlook on a mental health challenge.
I also believe that it is helpful to be able to laugh at ourselves. I keep funny coasters all over my office. One says, “Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of someone’s craziness, there’s a crazy underground garage.” Another says, “Be yourself is about the worst advice you can gone some people.” Both are from co-edikit. One time during Mental Health Month in May, I gave away a bag of peanuts with a message saying “We’re all a little nuts.” I’m trying to make light of the fact that mental illness is a disease that many find debilitating, but rather find a way to lighten the severity.
Let’s face it, today’s world is fast- paced, stressful, and often overwhelming. Mental illness or not, we all need to laugh!
May you find humor along your path!