SESSION 3 Humour and Depression
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Join Dr. Peter Spitzer, also known as Dr. Fruit-Loop, in exploring the transformative effects of humour on mental and physical health. This session delves into how laughter serves as potent medicine that can uplift spirits, reduce stress, and improve patient care. Learn about the mission of the Humour Foundation in promoting laughter as an essential component of healthcare. With insights from renowned philosophers and the latest research, discover how integrating humour into your life can enhance well-being for patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.
SESSION 3 Humour and Depression
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Presentation Transcript
SESSION 3 Humour and Depression
Dr Peter Spitzer (aka) Dr Fruit-Loop GP/Chairman, Medical Director Humour Foundation
The laughter prescription - Potent medicine for all ages Dr Peter Spitzer (aka Dr Fruit-Loop) GP/Chairman, Medical Director Humour Foundation spitzer@acenet.com.au
Who said that? • “Laughter is bodily exercise precious to health” Aristotle • “Laughter is the shortest distance between 2 people” Victor Borge • “A clown is like an asprin, only he works twice as fast” Groucho Marx • “Laughter is the most inexpensive and the most effective wonder drug. Laughter is a universal medicine” Bertrand Russell
Humour Foundation Mission statement To introduce & promote the health benefits of humour to patients, their families & health care professionals
Humour Foundation Objectives To establish Clown Doctor units at major hospitals throughout Australia, bringing fun & laughter to patients, their families and staff To run seminars for health care professionals in using humour in patient/carer relationships; for self-care to reduce stress & burnout To provide resources on humour & health
Humour Foundation Vision statement Go in with our hearts open………………. Play, with respect……………………………… Connect with compassion…………………. To uplift the spirit.
AADS • Poses a threat to quality of life • Erodes the capacity to tap into the joyfulness of life (so that you don’t even realise that you’ve lost it)
AADS Diagnostic symptoms: • Making mountains out of molehills • Emotional constipation • Difficulty swallowing humour • Persistent soreness about almost everything • Hardening of the attitude • Terminal seriousness
Effects of laughter Psychological • Stress reduction • Mood elevation • Improved coping with sadness & loss • Reduced anxiety • Improved performance • Positively associated with emotional stability • Enhanced communication
Effects of laughter Physiological (Psychoneuroimmunology) • Enhanced relaxation response • Stress hormone reduction • Pain reduction • Immune system effects • BP lowering • Increased blood oxygenation
Churchill Fellowship “A study of overseas-based clown doctor programs & their impact on the health-care system” www.churchilltrust.com.au (Go to: Fellows Reports-Medicine-Spitzer)
Introducing laughter in aged care • QOL/psychosocial ‘coal-face’ issues • Rotating Laughter Boss ‘add-on’ position • Work in co-operative partnership with other modalities • Laughter Bosses attend 1-day training fun-shop • Develop location-specific framework/network • 6 monthly follow-up/review/QA/fun-shop • Presentation of Laughter Boss certificates • Research opportunities