DID YOU SEE? NHS prescribing laughter!
25 February 2025
Via Metro:
Patients struggling with depression or other mental health issues could receive a hilarious new form of treatment.
A tech company has just received funding for a scheme which sends people to stand-up shows or comedy workshops as an alternative to antidepressants.
Craic Health hopes this will help people who are lonely, isolated and vulnerable get involved with their community – and that ‘comedy on prescription’ could reduce NHS costs. Dr Simon Opher has said ‘making people laugh can avoid the need for medication’, and is one of the scheme’s backers.
‘Comedy is a game-changer’
I totally agree that laughter will help people who are lonely, living in isolation or with mild depression. Laughing is very therapeutic and gives you a feeling of happiness. Whenever
I watch a comedy, especially Carry On films, I laugh so much that I shed a tear or two. Comedy is a game-changer – it makes us feel happier and that the world will be a better place to live in. Doctors, psychologists and other health professionals, bring it on. Aji, London
‘A good comedy sets you up for a good day’
A good comedy does make you feel better and sets you up for a good day. When my kids and I watched comedians on TV, we would all be really happy and cheerful. And the happiness lasted for hours or even days because the kids would talk about the show’s really funny bits. Jeanie, via email