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Using humor to handle stress?

Page last modified on: May 27, 2009

Question from Jackie: Please tell me I'm not the only one who uses humor to get by! I have been criticized for the way I handle my stress, anxiety, and fears. It can't be that unusual, can it? I'd rather be laughing than crying, but it seems people think I’m just being insensitive and that's not it at all!: Answers —Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: I suppose there's room for both. In the way you're describing coping with cancer, the critical piece is that it works for you. That it's having an impact on others around you is something to explore, because you're describing a disconnect between your intentions -- that is, using humor to help cope with the anxiety and stress associated with cancer treatment -- and somehow it's being interpreted as dismissive or insensitive.; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: I think that humor is an excellent way to cope with many issues in life. And if it works for you, it's a gift.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2009, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Fear and Anxiety. Mitch Golant, Ph.D. and Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about dealing with fear and reducing the stresses that can accompany breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Mitch Golant, Ph.D. is a health psychologist and senior vice president of research and development for the national office of The Wellness Community, which provides free psychological and emotional support to help people with cancer on their path to recovery. His research focuses on the benefits of online and community support groups for women with breast cancer.

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.