Comedian Robin Williams once said that every time you get depressed, comedy will be there to drag you out of it. But does humour really help? A researcher from SWPS University investigated the potential of using humour to treat depressive states. She demonstrated that while it could act as a natural stress buffer, it typically does more harm than good during the acute phase of the illness.
Can humour serve as a remedy for depression? While it can improve mood and boost resilience against everyday worries, depression is a serious disorder that requires appropriate specialized treatment. It is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, with over 280 million people diagnosed; the condition involves profound suffering and impaired daily life activities.
Despite advances in developing treatments for depression, their overall effectiveness and durability remain limited. Some researchers have argued that a contributing factor is the prevailing negative emphasis on symptom reduction, with less focus on positive functioning and well-being. That is why experts have increasingly advocated for a more comprehensive framework of depression treatment.
In this context, humour is a promising tool that may counteract the main depressogenic factors, including rumination and reduced positive emotions.
The impact of humour on mental health is supported by neuroimaging studies. The response to humour directly affects cerebral regions involved in the pathogenesis of depression, including neural circuits related to the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, says clinical psychologist Anna Braniecka, PhD, of the SWPS University Faculty of Psychology in Warsaw, author of a study described in Clinical Psychology Review .
Humour requires sensitivity
Anna Braniecka analysed existing clinical psychology research on the use of humour in the context of depression. She considered both the benefits, such as emotional advantages, reactions to humourous material, and intervention outcomes, as well as the risks associated with being a recipient of jokes, including potential side effects. Finally, she formulated general recommendations for professionals regarding the use of humour.
The analysis reveals that the effectiveness of humour depends on factors such as the phase of depression, the context in which the joke is used, and the specific form of humour employed. Humour-based interventions are ineffective during the acute phase of the illness. They yield the best results for individuals in remission and those with mild symptoms, as they foster psychological resilience and can help achieve full mental well-being.
It turns out that the safest strategy is to use humorous content that distracts from difficulties (e.g., telling jokes). Conversely, attempting to laugh at one's own worries can, for some people, amplify negative thoughts and worsen their mood.
Another important aspect is that individuals with depression are more likely than others to suffer from gelotophobia (a fear of being laughed at) which can lead them to misinterpret laughter of those around them as a threat. During the acute phase of the illness, attempts to cheer them up "by force" trigger intense anxiety.
One should also approach negative internet memes and other forms of dark humour with caution; while people with depression may perceive them as more relatable and mood-enhancing, in the long run, these forms of humour can reinforce pessimistic thought patterns.
Humour is no substitute for therapy
The researcher also highlights the role of mental health professionals themselves. A person with depression may perceive a clinician's ill-considered use of humour as a lack of empathy or a dismissal of their problem. That is why using humour in the treatment process requires great care. Before deciding to employ humour, a therapist should gain a thorough understanding of its effects, and carefully analyse the patient's mental state and current perspective.
Humorous content is increasingly delivered through digital technologies, such as apps, chatbots, and virtual reality, often supported by artificial intelligence, Braniecka emphasises. While humour interventions using technology offer greater accessibility and lower cost, they must be approached with caution. If used by patients themselves, without professional oversight, they can reinforce pessimistic thought patterns.
Humour is not a universal cure for depression and it cannot replace comprehensive therapy, but it can serve as one of its elements. To be beneficial, it must be tailored to the stage of treatment and the patient's current emotional and cognitive capabilities. It works best when building resilience, that is, psychological robustness, as prevention against depression relapse, rather than during the most difficult moments of struggling with depressive symptoms, the clinical psychologist from SWPS University points out.
