Happy Birthday Ollie!

Norvell Hardy, more affectionally known as Oliver or "Ollie" Hardy, was born 122 years ago today.  Ollie and his comic pal and sidekick Stan Laurel brought comic relief to millions during the height of The Great Depression through the end of World War II and today.    

What does this have to do with your mental health?  Evidence continues to emerge supporting the old adage that "Laughter is the best medicine."  Laughing has been shown to improve mood, reduce depression, and soothe tensions.  It can also play an important role in the management of anxiety and stress relief.  Finally, a shared laugh can help promote positive relationships, a key component of an emotionally healthy life.  Laughter should not be a substitute for professional treatment, especially for those suffering from severe mental illness, but it can be an important component in psychotherapy.  Used judiciously and genuinely in accord with the therapist's personality, a healthy and mutual chuckle can be beneficial in the psychotherapeutic process.

So dust off your VHS copy of "Sons of the Desert," queue up your favorite Seinfeld episodes on Netflix, and have laugh.

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Best,
Dr. Hanley