Posted by Tony P on January 17, 2018, at 19:38:24
There has been considerable research on the relationship between facial expression and mood; apparently, it works both ways. And humour has long been considered therapeutic.
Today, despite a general feeling of depression, I spent quite a while on Facebook, reading humorous posts on Callahan's Cross-time Saloon, Science Humor & others, and even posting a bad pun myself. Reading humour - even bad puns - can have a cumulative effect. Also posted on PatientsLikeMe-DailyMe, which I'm new to, but starting to appreciate. And getting thumbs-ups from others has a self-validating effect on me. After a couple of hours, I felt much better.
As noted above, there is reliable scientific research to show that forcing your face into a smile (mouth AND eyes), however artificial, has a significant mood elevating effect. And forcing a frown has the opposite effect. (Method actors have known this for years). Many articles come up on Google, here's one link with a short, readable summary: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2013/02/26/fake-smile/#2d1521263676.
My Meds
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Escitalopram 20 mg
Bupropion XR 75 mg
Diazepam 5 mg tid - weaning
Propranolol 20 mg tid
Robaxin - non-prescribed; weaning
Kava - non-Rx, prn
poster:Tony P
thread:1096625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20161002/msgs/1096625.html