Is There Something Funny about Trauma?

Trauma is a challenging experience that can affect an individual's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Coping with trauma can be difficult and lengthy, and it is essential to understand the different ways in which individuals can cope. One coping mechanism that is commonly relied on for many people with experience with trauma is the use of humor. 

Humor can help individuals process traumatic experiences and regain a sense of control and power. It can also help point out the absurdity and lack of humanity in situations while keeping composure (i.e. this would be funny if it weren’t so tragic types of situations). Humor as a coping mechanism has its place. There are benefits to using humor as a coping mechanism but also limitations and risks. As a mental health professional, I will provide some recommendations for individuals utilizing humor to deal with trauma.

Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma is defined as a distressing event that exceeds an individual's coping ability and can cause significant physical and psychological harm. Examples of traumatic events include natural disasters, car accidents, physical or sexual abuse, and combat exposure. Trauma can have serious long-term effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical health problems such as chronic pain.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism

Humor is defined as a cognitive and emotional process that involves recognizing and expressing the amusing or ludicrous aspects of a situation. Humor can be used as a coping mechanism for trauma because it helps individuals reframe their experiences and regain a sense of control and power. Humor also serves as a distraction from the distressing aspects of a traumatic event, allowing individuals to shift their focus to positive emotions.

Studies have shown that individuals who use humor to cope with stress and trauma have better physical and mental health outcomes than those who do not. For example, a study by O'Connor and Martin (2017) found that individuals who used humor to cope with stress had lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who did not. Similarly, Samson and Gross (2012) found that positive humor was associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of positive emotions.

Limitations and Risks of Using Humor to Cope

While the use of humor as a coping mechanism can be helpful, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations and risks. Relying solely on humor to cope with trauma may prevent individuals from fully processing their experiences and addressing the underlying emotional pain. In my practice many of the funniest, seemingly happiest individuals have been able to successfully use humor to mask, and eventually wall off the full spectrum of emotions. In some cases, humor can be insensitive or inappropriate, especially if used to avoid dealing with the seriousness of a traumatic event.

Humor is an Important Asset in Coping

It is crucial to understand the role of humor as an important asset in coping but recognize that humor should not be the sole coping mechanism for dealing with trauma. When humor is used exclusively it inevitably creates a barrier between the individual suffering from trauma and the help that they need to receive.

As a trauma therapist, I am quick to call out the overuse or inappropriate timing of humor with clients. Having professional help from a qualified trauma therapist is essential to ensure that individuals can process their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment that invites humor when appropriate but helps create other outlets for emotions and stress.

Helpful and Harmful Sides of Using Humor to Avoid

Dealing with trauma can be a daunting experience, and it is good to understand the different ways in which individuals can cope. Humor can be a useful coping mechanism for trauma. It helps individuals regain a sense of control and power, process their experiences, and shift their focus to positive emotions. However, relying solely on humor to cope with trauma inevitably prevents deep and genuine healing from being able to happen by creating facades and personas that are exhausting to maintain. 

It is important to seek professional help when dealing with trauma and to acknowledge that humor should not be the only coping mechanism used. By understanding the benefits and limitations of humor as a coping mechanism, individuals can develop effective strategies for coping with traumatic experiences while working with their trauma therapist.