Laughter is a powerful tool which can help us deal with difficult situations and stress. By understanding different types of laughter, we can respond more appropriately to our clients and patients and may see additional warning signals.
Laughter on Prescription is a series of laughter sessions which together reinforce the benefits and knowledge. Feelgood Communities CIC runs sets of up to 8 sessions with the same people to help build small social groups who can continue to support each other after the program finishes.
- During one program at a SureStart with ten women with moderate depression, after two sessions, some were noting that their first response was no longer to shout at their children.
- At the end of the program, one woman said, “I have not cried for 2 weeks. I feel happier in myself. I look at things differently, so they don’t become a big problem straight away. I think differently, and this calms me down. I have a more positive outlook. Feel more confident.”
- Another said, “I do laughing exercises with my children, and it controls my anger. My older child has said that I now don’t shout, swear and smack them as much. I feel more in control.”
Here is an example of final evaluation feedback from a participant.
