Could laughter help with depression?

By: Judith Woodward

"Depression is one of the most common medical conditions. It can affect anyone at any time. This year, the Army is joining organizations and communities across the nation to raise awareness about the dangers of depression. The Army's theme, "The Courage to Seek Help," emphasizes that depression is one of the most treatable behavioral health conditions. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the intensity and duration of depression symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in 10 Americans report depression. This means that every year more than 31 million Americans say they suffer from depression. It can affect men, women, the elderly and even children.

It may be hard to believe, but one of the most effective ways to help yourself or someone you love with depression is with laughter. Laughter is such a powerful, inexpensive and dependable tool that is always available. Did you know that laughter can ease stress, pain and sadness? There are many other ways laughter is good for your health:

• Laughter helps make you happy. Laughter increases the release of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good chemicals that make you feel well and can even relieve pain.
• Laughter helps you relax. The harder you laugh the more muscles you use in your face, arms, legs and stomach. Using these large muscle groups increases oxygen flow, so that your muscles relax more efficiently.

Consider some ways you can incorporate laughter into your life. The simplest way is to start with a smile — a smile is the beginning of laughter, and it is contagious. Another easy way to start on your path to laughter is to simply make a list of things you are happy about in your life. Another simple idea is to surround yourself with people who laugh and are playful. If you hear laughter, move toward it — most often, people are happy to share what they are laughing about because it gives them the opportunity to laugh again."

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