The Power of Laughter: Why Humour is an Untapped Resource for Men's Mental Health.

When was the last time you had a proper, belly-aching laugh? Not just a polite chuckle, but the kind of laugh that makes your sides hurt and your eyes water. For many men, those moments are few and far between. But what if I told you that humour could be a serious tool for improving mental health?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sat down with Paul Osincup, a comedian and humour strategist who knows a thing or two about how laughter can transform lives. We talked about how humour isn’t just about cracking jokes; it’s a powerful way to manage stress, build stronger relationships, and even spot signs of male depression.

Too often, men keep their struggles bottled up, thinking they have to ‘man up’ and deal with things alone. But that mindset can make things worse. Mental health awareness is growing, but there's still a long way to go—especially when it comes to addressing depression in men. In this blog, we’ll explore five key ways humour can make a difference in men’s mental health, helping to reduce stress, improve relationships, and break the silence around mental health struggles.

1. Humour as a Stress Reliever

Stress is a part of life, but how we handle it makes all the difference. When life gets overwhelming, many men turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms—bottling things up, avoiding conversations, or drowning stress in alcohol or work. But humour offers a healthier alternative.

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins—natural feel-good chemicals that help lower stress levels. It’s why you feel lighter and more at ease after a good joke or a funny story. Paul shared that humour isn’t just about making light of problems; it’s about shifting perspective. Instead of letting stress consume you, finding humour in a situation can help you take a step back and see things differently.

This isn’t about laughing problems away, but about using humour as a tool to reduce tension. Whether it’s watching a comedy, sharing a joke with a mate, or just learning to laugh at yourself, embracing humour can be a simple yet powerful way to improve your mental health.

2. Breaking the Silence Around Depression in Men

One of the biggest challenges in men’s mental health is getting men to talk. The signs of male depression often go unnoticed because men are conditioned to ‘tough it out’ rather than seek help. But humour can be a way to open up these difficult conversations.

Paul pointed out that humour can create a safe space for men to talk about their struggles. A well-placed joke can break tension, making it easier to transition into more serious discussions. It’s why some of the best conversations about mental health happen over a pint with a mate or during a casual chat.

Of course, there’s a fine line. Some men use humour as a shield to deflect from their struggles rather than address them. The key is balance—using humour to connect, not to avoid. By fostering open conversations through lighthearted moments, we can make it easier for men to acknowledge when they’re struggling and get the help they need.

3. The Role of Humour in Relationships

Healthy relationships—whether romantic, friendships, or family—are crucial for mental well-being. But when men struggle with their mental health, these relationships can suffer. A lack of communication, emotional distance, or irritability can push people away.

Humour can act as a bridge, strengthening relationships even in tough times. A shared laugh can lighten the mood, ease tension, and remind people why they care about each other. Paul explained how humour fosters connection by creating moments of joy and shared experiences.

It also encourages vulnerability. When you can joke with someone, you feel safer with them. And when you feel safe, you’re more likely to open up about what’s really going on. If you’re feeling low, reaching out to someone with a funny meme or an inside joke can be an easy way to reconnect.

4. Recognising When Humour Becomes a Mask

While humour has plenty of benefits, it can also be used to hide deeper struggles. Many men joke about their own pain, using sarcasm or self-deprecating humour to deflect serious conversations. It’s one of the lesser-known signs of male depression—when someone is always the ‘funny guy’ but never lets anyone in.

Paul highlighted that while humour can be a great tool, it shouldn’t replace genuine conversations about mental health. If you or someone you know constantly jokes about their struggles but never opens up, it might be time to check in.

Pay attention to the tone of someone’s humour. Are they making light of everyday frustrations, or are their jokes hinting at something deeper? A simple “Mate, are you really okay?” can go a long way. The goal isn’t to take the humour away but to ensure it’s not being used as a cover for something more serious.

5. Using Laughter to Build Resilience

Resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about bouncing back when things get tough. Humour plays a massive role in that. When you can find light in a dark situation, it’s easier to keep moving forward.

Paul shared that people who use humour in tough times tend to have better coping mechanisms. Laughing in the face of adversity doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means not letting them consume you. When life throws a curveball, being able to laugh at the absurdity of it can make it feel less overwhelming.

Think about the last time something went wrong—maybe you missed an important deadline, had a bad day at work, or dealt with unexpected bad news. Did finding something funny in the situation help you process it better? Chances are, it did. Learning to laugh, even in small ways, can help you build mental resilience and navigate challenges with a bit more ease.

Conclusion

Humour is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for mental health. From reducing stress to strengthening relationships and breaking the silence around depression in men, laughter can be a game-changer.

Of course, it’s not a cure-all. If you or someone you know is struggling with serious mental health issues, professional help is always the best step. But incorporating humour into daily life can be a simple and effective way to boost well-being.

So, the next time life feels overwhelming, find something to laugh about. Share a joke, watch a comedy, or just embrace the ridiculousness of it all. Sometimes, a little laughter is exactly what we need to get through the tough times.