I have a hard time laughing.

Spencer 1975 · Post by **Spencer 1975** » Mon May 17, 2010 5:57 pm

I don't understand why I have such a hard time laughing, even when I didn't feel depressed years ago. I do try to laugh when someone says something that would normally be funny. I just don't feel it! I guess I can't take a joke. I don't understand it, and I feel like an outcast because people don't understand me. Who wants to be around someone who can't seem to have a good time anyway? Does anyone else have this problem?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:27 pm

Hi Spencer.....are you saying that you don't find ANYTHING funny or just things that are funny to most people? What is funny to you? I think I replied to a post you had on here(in another forum) about you didn't know if your heart or stomach was having spasms, was that you? If it was, I could SO identify because those were my first symptoms of anxiety and panic. At that time I was also severely depressed and NOTHING was funny. I have gradually gotten my sense of humor back but most people don't always "get" my humor unless they really know me. I have a tendency to be very sarcastic. Try to find what is funny to you and immerse yourself in it....TV shows, YouTube, books, etc. It will really help you deal with this. I would not be doing as well as I am if I couldn't laugh, especially at myself.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:13 pm

Hi can't...
Yes, that was my post about spasms. Well I guess the way I can explain my problem is, I find it hard to laugh at things that I do feel are funny. I don't let go with laughter like other people do. I sometimes feel like I need to practice laughing out loud, but then I don't like the thought of being fake. If i'm in a crowd of people laughing, they all seem to be having a ball with laughter. I might smile when that happens, but on the inside I feel mostly anxious and I pretend to laugh. I would love to find laughter within and just learn to let it out.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 18, 2010 5:17 pm

Hi Spencer, I can relate. I dont laugh very often either. I remember praying about that once, I need to find joy again so I can laugh more. It's rare that I really find something amusing and laugh out loud. I wish I knew how to find that in my life. I think a lot of it is deep rooted unhappiness and depression in my particular situation.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:17 am

hi spencer and all, good posts. nothing wrong with small steps--i know as been there. smile is good enough for good long time. it will come. other day at the mall, i was amused the new young people thing is smiling and putting their fist to their mouth like holding laughter...its all good spencer. its a start and changes to your brain chemistry will help your brain, so go ahead and fake that smile at first...the rest will come with practice. good wishes

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 19, 2010 6:06 pm

Hey Spencer try watching Comedy Central or Americas Funny Videos this always serves to cheer me up. God speed to you in your quest for fun and laughter. Le Ann

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 20, 2010 3:02 am

Hey guys,
You all have good input. I appreciate your ideas, and look forward to hearing more. Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 28, 2010 5:15 am

Hello spencer,
my name is sandra and i have been suffering from anxiety for about a year now im only 15 years old and now it seems like i am going through depression. i usually laugh at anything i use to find everything quite funny, now its like nothing at all is funny like it use to be i dont know how i can be happy again , any suggestions?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat May 29, 2010 8:34 pm

I came to this Program because of Depression. Depression along with its sibling - Anxiety had just about brought me to my knees, making my life seem unbearable. When I started this Program I began to understand what my problems were and also what I could do to solve them by just progressing through the Program and asking questions to fellow members on line in the Chat room. I also got a lot of help from sending Private Messages to other members I admired and found common interests with. This program is a Process and I suggest that only when I immersed myself and asked questions and Listened to the information I received, then I began to see real progress.
Give it some time and effort... and it will pay off. It has surly helped me. Seadog

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 31, 2010 10:38 am

seadog-

Great post! You're absolutely right about thinking of the program as a process and the importance of immersing yourself in everything it offers, including interacting with other sufferers, being the best way to get results. I've been through the program three times and am about to for a fourth time. The first time through I made real progress and felt great, but have had setbacks and not as much success since. It is so incredibly hard to break these deeply-engrained habits! Hopefully I'll make more progress this time keeping your experience with the program and sound advice in mind... Thanks