It has been said that humor is the best medicine, and even though it might not be an actual cure for most ailments, I think that this saying is quite true. Humor is an important part of most people's lives, and people with traumatic brain injuries are no different. That's why we try to include fun and funny things in their daily lives.
This week I took some clients to the movies to see You Again. While some of the clients tend to have trouble focusing on one thing for an extended amount of time, most of them enjoy going to see a funny movie. However, I have a feeling that some jokes go over their heads, but they all enjoy a good laugh. In fact, many of the clients respond best to humor in stressful situations. It can divert their attention away from the bad things they're thinking about and get them started on something else in a better mood.
The kinds of jokes and humor enjoyed varies widely from client to client, and it can be really important to know what type of humor is appropriate and what is not. While some clients enjoy the dirtiest of jokes, others might be deeply offended by them. So it can be a good idea to stick to the general types of jokes until you really know what will fly. When you get familiar and comfortable, you can really joke and have a good time.
You are right, humor is often times the best medicine. Hollywood gave us a great portrayal of that in the movie Patch Adams, and so to speak, who doesn't love a good joke. I remember from one of my undergrad psych classes that humor is one of the six recognizable emotions all over the world. Even in indigenous places, people recognize humor and laughing and the facial expressions that are accompanied by laughter.
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