When I was younger I rarely watched comedies, never listened to upbeat music or read "light" books. I focused on the depressing, because I thought it was real. Somewhere along the way, I learned that those things brought me down and changed my ways.
Today I watch comedies, listen to music that is upbeat and read my fair share of bubble gum books. At first I felt as though that made me shallow. Like somehow seeking enjoyment and levity meant that I wasn't deep or thoughtful.
But now I've come to accept that looking to the lighter side of life helps lighten up my days. Who can look at the lolcats without chuckling? Modern Family makes me laugh and appreciate the fact that my family isn't that crazy.
It doesn't make me forget my worries, or make for a carefree life, but somehow a little laughter always lifts my spirits. As someone with depression, I'll take a laugh when I can get it!
I worked with a woman who sent me hilarious youtube clips EVERY DAY. For the lonest time, I wouldn't even open them. Then I started to realize they would have me doubled over hysterically laughing. A good all-out laugh is so cathartic!
ReplyDeleteI have a very hard time finding a balance between the 2 the fluff often pisses me off because it's too easy and unrealistic and makes my life seem even worse, the dramatic and real struggles I can relate to make it easier sometimes and hard others. But I fight with myself over which side to take and end up curling up in my hole and doing nothing at all because even that decision is too much.
ReplyDeleteI have to say it helps lift my mood. Shows me that there is something else to see in life not just the gloom. Thank God for laughter and funny people :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is how I am too. I watch a lot of comedy it is a fantastic outlet and makes you feel like a full person again, who is capable of laughing. It reminds you that even if things feel terrible, you can turn it around into something positive. And in comedy, no topic is really taboo.
ReplyDeleteGood for you love, you've come a long way :)
it can be if we allow it to be...somtimes when I'm down I have to grant myself permission to allow the laughter because I get so wrapped up in holding onto the sadness.
ReplyDeleteI love laughter! it's great to see an individual embrace the simplicity it stands for. When we are hypersensitive to our needs and yearning for happiness, we forget that a simple laugh can go a long way. Thanks for the blog!
ReplyDelete-Brian
http://progressivetransformation.blogspot.com/
Laughter can be surprisingly helpful to me. Sometimes I resist anything light--kind of like I need to hold on to depression and not feeling. But lifted out of the darkness is what I need.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when you're really down it can be so difficult to laugh, can't it. I'm glad that so many of us are able to enjoy a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteI have a blog similar to this one, please visit - I need some help setting it up like this one! depressionsfordummies.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you all for sharing. Laughter is an amazing gift.
ReplyDeleteOn Global Belly Laugh Day, January 24 we celebrate the great gift of laughter with a playful, easy fun celebration. On January 24 at 1:24 p.m. (local time) smile, throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud. Join the Belly Laugh Bounce Around the World. Your laughter is contagious. Thank you for letting us catch it.
Laughing gives us more energy for connection and creativity.
Elaine Helle
Hi Elaine, thanks for letting us know about Belly Laugh Day! I'll have to let people at work know so I don't scare them at 1:24 on Jan. 24!
ReplyDeleteJamie Good idea to let the people at work know. I know of workplaces that gather at a desk around 1:20 p.m. have a countdown to the 1:24 p.m. laugh.
DeleteWhere in the world will you be adding your laugh to the Belly Laugh Bounce Around the World?
Funnily enough, the worse I am mentally, the better I am physically. I'm a little topsy turvy - I cry when I should be laughing, I laugh when I should be crying.
ReplyDeleteLol. Sounds a bit messed up. It's refreshing to hear someone talk about depression openly. It's normally something you find yourself hiding in a dark corner with.
GM x
Featured on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/3ShyMice/317134794964252
ReplyDeleteA group for those with mental health by those with mental health. Keep up with your blog, was very ispiring to read x
Laughter is surprisingly helpful! Both against bad mood and depression
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie - was thinking about you today, and was wondering how your Taekwondo training is coming along.
ReplyDeleteI'm Glad to see you're doing well! Are you still training?
Brett
Very true. There is a thinking out there that many commedians are some who struggle deeply with depression. They are the ones who have learned that humor and laughter help them survive.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the lighter books. Life is heavy enough: give me something to make me laugh! Check out Sophie Kinsella if you don't already know her, she's priceless. take care ;)
ReplyDelete