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The purpose of this paper is to engage with, and elicit insights from, Merv Neal, a laughter professional, on the use of laughter to benefit mental health.

This case study is presented in two sections: a biography of Merv Neal, followed by a ten-question interview with him.

Many insights on laughter are shared. Merv lists five benefits for mental health: laughter brings you into the present moment; laughter is a distraction; laughter breaks negative thought patterns; laughter silences the inner critical voice; and laughter brings joy.

This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has professionally used laughter to support mental health issues for over 15 years.

Laughter can be beneficial to support mental health. More evidence for its impact on mental health is needed. Prescribing laughter has been largely overlooked as a way to harness laughter for mental health to date. Investigating how and when to prescribe laughter for mental health is recommended.

Mental health issues can vary enormously, but loneliness is often involved. Encouraging social laughter is therefore important, including, surprisingly perhaps, by also practicing laughing alone. Laughter, accessible to all, presents itself as a free and easy way to support community mental health.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with a long-standing laughter professional on the topic of laughter and mental health.

The purpose of this paper is to meet Ros Ben-Moshe, a cancer survivor – or rather thriver – and lecturer in positive psychology at La Trobe University, describes how she uses laughter to boost levity and mental health.

This case study is divided into two parts: an autoethnographic life story of Ros Ben-Moshe, followed by 10 questions and answers.

Regular laughter is an enjoyable way to stimulate the feel-good chemicals dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. A laughter mindset is an important tool for overall wellbeing. It can help build connections and re-frame negative situations.

This is a personal narrative and gives the perspective of one person who harnessed the benefits of laughter following a cancer diagnosis.

Laughter can be used strategically to reset our internal mindset and prime ourselves towards optimal mental health and wellbeing, even while struggling with serious health issues. Research into how and when to prescribe laughter for mental health and overall wellbeing is therefore of interest.

Social laughter is important and rewarding. For those anxious about social laughter, finding people to laugh with who do not judge you is recommended, as are affirmations to lessen anxiety.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with a cancer survivor on the topic of laughter, cancer and mental health.

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga.

This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him.

The popularity of Laughter Yoga (LY) has spread from a handful of people since 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it.

This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for 30 years.

LY promotes an array of physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups, including people experiencing depression or anxiety.

The LY methodology is suited to people of all ages and abilities, enhancing mental health, decreasing stress levels and growing social connections and community through the universal language of laughter.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with Dr Kataria that delves into his personal background, outlining his motivation and experience behind founding LY internationally.

The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).

This case study is presented in two sections: an autobiography of Mary Kay Morrison, followed by a ten-question interview.

Mary Kay recommends exploration of the benefits of humor and laughter for mental health professionals. In recognition of the need for clarifying terminology, she coined the terms Humergy, which is joyful, optimistic, healthy energy and Humordoomer, which denotes a person who zaps that energy from us. Her work includes exploring the five stages of Humor Development as a significant factor in understanding cognitive development.

This is a personal narrative, albeit from an educator who has been active in the field of applied and therapeutic humor for over 30 years.

Humor and laughter research is recommended to explore their use in optimizing mental health. Mary Kay endorses expanding pioneering work in therapeutic humor as a treatment for anxiety and depression. She shares recommendations for humor practice in both prevention of mental health challenges and as a viable treatment for anxiety and depression.

Three humor benefits with particular social applications are highlighted. Humor facilitates communication, creates an optimal learning environment and supports change.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study about Mary Kay Morrison, Past President of the AATH and founder of the AATH Certified Humor Professional program.