If your circles are anything like ours, many were shocked and saddened
that a man who brought us so much joy and happiness could not feel enough
of the same being returned to him to keep him from ending his life.
You’ve probably heard or read a lot this week about the signs of
depression and suicide prevention.
You’ve probably also seen social media posts with images from
Robin Williams‘ numerous roles, both comical and dramatic.
We feel the need to lighten things up a bit and remind you that
laughter is truly the best medicine; even Robin Williams as
Patch Adams said so! 
Dr. Jane Sadler wrote a blog post yesterday on this very topic.
In it, she quoted both from the movie and from the actual
Dr. Patch Adams, stating:
“In his book, Gesundheit!, Dr Patch Adams reminds medical providers :“Your goal is not to hurt people or belittle suffering, but to bring fun to those who are suffering.”
Dr. Sadler also provided some statistical evidence about
laughter’s benefits:
“Laughter will help to heal wounds both seen and unseen. Other than the obvious psychological benefits of laughter, studies from the University of Maryland suggest laughter can reduce the risk of heart disease…Other studies found that laughter lowers the stress hormone, cortisol. Lowering levels of cortisol can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and weight (among many other positive physical benefits).”
Another article, entitled “The Power of Laughter,” focuses
on the mental health we have been all consumed with this week.
This article fittingly starts with this story: 
“Two nuns, a penguin and a man with a parrot on his shoulder walk into a bar. The bartender says, “What is this? Some kind of joke?”
And continues with this reminder:
“Laughter can be a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety –
without a prescription and without side effects.”
Research has proven the benefits of laughter for our mental health.
In one study, says Faiz Qadri, MD, director of the Creighton University
Mood Disorders Clinic, movie-watching patients who watched only comedies
for three months had measurably more enhanced positive attitude and social
interaction than patients who watched a variety of types of movies.
“I recommend to my patients that they watch a comedy every week,” he says.
So, go ahead, find a comedy, maybe Patch Adams, and enjoy a
laughter-filled weekend!
[PS If you are in need of mental health services and are confused
by what is available to you through your health insurance, please
give us a call at 877.789.5831, or complete the confidential form
below, and one of our experts will be happy to assist you!]
