Major depressive disorder affects how you think and feel, and can have both psychological and physical symptoms, notes the Mayo Clinic. When you suffer from major depressive disorder, you have a loss of interest, feel sad or anxious, or simply lose the will to get out of bed each morning. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder may benefit from what is known as laughter or humor therapy. By learning to laugh again you can learn to be silly, to find the humor in everyday situations, and to learn to smile again.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to talk about your depression symptoms and possible treatment options. Major depressive disorder cannot be treated by laughter alone, and various medications and therapies can help you feel more like your regular self and more prone to having fun and laughing. The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that if you have symptoms of depression, you should be under the care and supervision of a competent health-care provider.
Step 2
Spend time with people whom you enjoy, and who can see past your condition. Someone who is worried for you may be overly delicate and careful with what she says around you. Instead, choose to spend time with those who can still be funny and laugh with you, and who don't see you only as someone with depression, but as a good friend she can enjoy being with.
Step 3
Sing a silly song. ABC News reports that Seoul National University Hospital offers laughing classes to help cancer patients combat the side effects of depression that can occur during treatment. During the class, students learn to sing funny songs, inserting the names of family members who irritate them or word about their conditions to make the songs funnier. Making light of the situation with a funny song can make you feel more in control of your depression.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about humor services offered by the hospital. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers what is called the "Humor Cart." It's a cart loaded with funny gifts, pranks and silly items that can be passed out at the hospital. If you are suffering from major depressive disorder and are also enduring a long hospital stay, a volunteer may be able to come and spend some time with you to allow you to forget your depression and laugh, if only for an hour or two.
