Dealing with depression can feel like an uphill battle. But what if there was a way to lighten the load, even if just a little? Humor might be the unexpected tool you need. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use humor to cope with depression and bring a bit of sunshine into your cloudy days.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Humor is more than just a brief escape from reality; it’s a powerful mental health tool. Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve immunity. When you’re struggling with depression, finding moments to laugh can create small pockets of relief.
It’s important to note that humor isn’t about making light of serious issues. Instead, it’s about finding joy in the small, everyday moments and using those instances to help you navigate through tough times.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Humor
Here are some practical ways to infuse humor into your life:
Watch a Comedy Show or Movie
Pick a favorite comedy series or a movie that always makes you laugh. Laughter can be contagious, and sometimes, it’s the perfect medicine.
Follow Funny Social Media Accounts
Social media can be a treasure trove of hilarious content. Follow comedians or pages that regularly post funny memes and videos.
Attend a Comedy Club
If you’re up for it, attending a live comedy show can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in laughter and enjoy a shared experience.
Share Jokes with Friends
Text or call a friend and exchange jokes or funny stories. This can strengthen your connection and give you a shared moment of joy.
Humor in Therapy: What to Expect
Many therapists incorporate humor as a technique in their sessions. This doesn’t mean making fun of serious topics but rather using humor as a tool to put things in perspective, ease tension, and build rapport. If you’re interested, talk to your therapist about how humor can be part of your treatment plan.
Conclusion
While humor isn’t a cure for depression, it can be a valuable tool in your coping arsenal. By finding moments to laugh, you can add a bit of lightness to your day and help manage your symptoms more effectively. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection, and finding joy in the journey.
FAQ
Can humor really help with depression?
Yes, humor can help by releasing endorphins and reducing stress, which can improve your mood.
What if I don’t find things funny right now?
That’s okay. Start small, and be gentle with yourself. Sometimes humor takes time to resonate, especially when you’re feeling low.
Is it okay to use humor in therapy?
Absolutely! Humor can be a helpful tool in therapy when used appropriately to build rapport and ease tension.
How can I find humor when I’m feeling down?
Try watching a funny show, following humorous social media pages, or talking with a friend who makes you laugh.
Humor is just one piece of the puzzle, but it can be a delightful one. Keep exploring ways to incorporate it into your life, and you’ll likely find it brings a little more light to your day.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
