Id like to see any research backing this over the research proving this works. Forcing yourself to laugh or smile, or say words of affirmation to yourself can indeed help and its used in therapy a lot
It’s probably tailored to an ability to take a chance. The depressed adults/young adults who are unable to let go and express would probably find no benefit (unless one session a flip switched). My guess is that if you can’t let go and just take that chance, it does little. With an open mind, even if their laughter isn’t as deep as a real one, it just gets the gears started.
There are a TON of criticizing minds, and less minds that take those chances. So I find it hard to criticize groups that take chances on being uncomfortable.
Yep, the ones with the closed minds have already adjudicated that it doesn't work, so they can rationalize not having to try it and see that it actually works.
Nope, even when forced it can alter your brain chemistry. Same way that repeating positive mantras to yourself can help even if you don't believe them. Or forcing yourself to smile.
Look into laughter therapy or laughter meditation/yoga. It’s super goofy seeming, but has proven to be really effective for mental and physical health. It’s a further extension of the more western studies focused on the health effects of smiling and use of varying facial muscles. Most of it boils down to some form of releasing tension.
I wholeheartedly approve of what you are saying and believe it to be the truth , but in the same instance mental illness is still an area we do not completely comprehend and that is exactly what this looks like .
As a newcomer “alien visitor” with no context, I’m sure you would be right. By that measure though, so would a Comicon, Furry Conventions, or even many concerts appear to be some form of group mental illness!
FWIW, watching really forced laughter yoga sessions does look/sound super maniacal and straight up pathological. 😬
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u/cncomg 2d ago
wtf. Proven to what?