Depression costs the public tens of billions of pounds a year and nine million people are on medication.
Now, a trial inspired by the adage that laughter is the best medicine has hired professional comedians to teach patients how to perform stand-up routines.
This month, seven women performed live at the Royal Albert Hall in front of an audience of friends, family and supporters. The purpose of the “Prescription Comedy” program is to increase self-confidence and reduce dependence on antidepressants.
Claudia Marlich, 77, signed up for the course after considering the possibility of downsizing her home while struggling with her husband’s onset of dementia and the death of her mother. “This course gave me fun and helped me engage with diverse women that I wouldn’t normally meet,” she said.
Tracy, a 42-year-old homeless woman, said her key worker recommended the course despite previously knowing antidepressants were not working.
“I can’t believe how much it has helped my confidence,” she said. “Six weeks ago I never imagined I would be able to perform on stage, but I have learned so much from being on stage and the techniques they have taught me are useful in my daily life.”
The main lessons she learned included trying to be more optimistic and positive. “Even when things are bad, there is always a bright light,” she said. “I feel like I can reach the stars from here.”
The scheme was set up by Louisa Jackson, head of comedy group Craic Health, out of concerns that non-pharmaceutical treatments at the disposal of GPs were not working enough.
NHS-approved “social prescribing” measures to reduce dependence on antidepressants include dog walking, community gardening and trips to museums, and Ms Jackson is on a mission to add comedy to the list.
The trial plan was created to prove to NHS chiefs that laughter can be a valuable medical tool. Previous research has shown that laughter has significant mental health benefits and acts as a natural way to combat stress, anxiety, and depression.
Some of those waiting to perform at the London landmark looked nervous, but their pride was palpable after they overcame their fears and performed the routine. The event was attended by six “cartoonists” who had been struggling with issues such as homelessness, bereavement and dementia before the program began six weeks ago.
“At the moment, antidepressants are being given after an eight-minute GP consultation, and we’re seeing a huge move towards intervention and prevention,” Mr Jackson said. “You can get prescriptions for museum trips, gardening, going to the gym, etc., but comedy is seen as a joke. We want the NHS to incorporate comedy into social prescribing so that GPs can safely introduce comedy to prescribers to their patients.”
Ms Jackson won a grant from local charity One Westminster to launch a series of ‘Rise and Shine’ workshops for women facing a range of challenges. She partnered with comedian Carly Smallman, who was running sessions at homeless charity Passage. There, the group was encouraged to share funny stories about their lives and taught how to write jokes. They also engaged in voluntary laughter exercises to increase their sense of well-being and reduce inhibitions.
Trial participants were asked to fill out a form measuring their well-being after each session to assess whether their mental health improved.
Mr Jackson is now trying to persuade more agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, to fund further experiments to accumulate enough evidence to persuade NHS chiefs to add comedy to their social prescriptions. She wants to expand the trial to include veterans suffering from PTSD, victims of severe trauma, and disillusioned youth at risk from harmful influencers.
“Men don’t tend to use traditional services like counseling, so comedy is a great way to boost their confidence,” she said.
Smallman said the results she witnessed were entirely positive. “Many in the group came saying they were lonely or wanted some social connection,” she says. “The group’s confidence has definitely improved. The aim was to make them feel a little bit more confident in themselves and now completely bad guys by performing at the Royal Albert Hall. I feel like a proud aunt.”
Stroud’s Labor MP and doctor Simon Overfer, who has supported Crake Health, said: “Around 8.9 million people in the UK are prescribed antidepressants and non-medical interventions such as ‘prescription comedy’ must be taken seriously as an alternative to prescription pads.”
“Having worked as a GP for over 30 years, I have seen firsthand the power of social prescribing, from community gardens to art classes to walking football. Comedy is an innovative addition, creating a space for people to connect, reflect on their experiences and develop confidence through laughter. Seeing our first graduates at Westminster is a powerful proof of concept and I hope more local authorities will adopt a similar approach.”
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