Trauma victims told laughter is best medicine

TRAUMA patients are to be prescribed comedy courses to help them “see the funny side” of their troubles.

People suffering from a range of mental distress, anxiety and depression to grief or post-traumatic stress disorder, can from this month attend a free sixweek course where they will learn to write jokes based on their experiences and perform them on stage.

Backed by the NHS, Comedy on Referral is the latest example of the new drive for social prescribing, whereby GPs refer patients to participate in nonclinical activities such as walking in nature or singing in order to improve their health.

However, the scheme, which is opening for patients in Bristol, is the first to use humour as therapy for mental health conditions.

Patients will be coached to look for the comedic moments in the events that have caused their distress.

Angie Belcher, who has developed the course as comedian in residence at Bristol University, said: “You can acknowledge and honour the comedy of a situation, as much as the ritual and sadness of it.

“It’s a small bit of respite, so why wouldn’t you take it?

“I started realising that we could support people to write about these situations, help them to become the protagonist of their experience and inspire them to bring that version of themselves to the stage.

“The process of learning how to frame your experience as comedy has a cathartic and healing effect.”

Ms Belcher said that the technique of looking for comedy in challenging circumstances can not only help people deal with events in their past, but gives them the resilience to cope with future difficulties.

Some of the participants who have previously self-referred to the course have gone on to take up comedy and acting long-term.

People can access the sessions via the Bristol Wellspring Settlement Social Prescribing Team.