Experiencing pain, whether mental or physical, often leads us to the last thing on our minds: making light of it. Humour should not undermine or dismiss the reality of such experiences, but it can play a pivotal role in lightening the emotional burden we carry, silencing our inner critic, and forging connections with those who have faced similar situations. In fact, genuine laughter can even alleviate the pain. Humour often becomes our final refuge when the world appears overwhelming, transforming it into something more manageable after a good laugh.
However, it's important to understand that not everyone laughs at the same things. People have different tastes in humour. Some might feel better with political humour, others with darker or edgier jokes, and some with dry, sarcasm-filled humour. On the other hand, some won't find any of these amusing. When we create and share our humour, we tread on unfamiliar territory, just as we respect personal boundaries and property, the same applies to humour. Lucky are those who find people who laugh at the same things. That shared laughter can break down the walls of isolation that often come with mental health struggles. Humour becomes a bridge, opening up opportunities for connection and understanding when it is in sync with someone else's.
Do you want to learn more about humour?
📚 "How to Survive the End of the World" by Aaron Gillies. He's a comedian who writes about his experience with anxiety and depression.
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