The Healing Power of Laughter

At Harbor House, we know healing from trauma is a journey, and that journey doesn’t always follow a straight path. Moments of grief, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. But just as important are moments of lightness, relief, and even joy. One powerful yet often overlooked tool in healing is laughter.

Laughter isn’t just about humor, it’s about release. When we laugh, our bodies respond in ways that can reduce the physical and emotional toll of stress. Scientific studies show that laughter lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, releases endorphins, and relaxes the body for up to 45 minutes afterward. 

Beyond science, laughter helps us reconnect with ourselves and others. Trauma can make the world feel isolating. Sharing a laugh creates connection and reminds us that joy is still possible.

At Harbor House, healing happens in many forms: counseling, support groups, advocacy, and safety planning. But healing also comes in moments of lightheartedness. In our community spaces, we celebrate birthdays, share stories, and create opportunities for connection. Survivors tell us that laughter during these times feels like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that healing is not only about processing pain but also about welcoming joy.

For survivors, laughter is more than just a physical response, it’s an act of resilience. Finding reasons to laugh in the midst of pain says, I am still here. I can still find joy, even after what I’ve endured. In this way, laughter becomes a form of resistance against the harm and control of abuse.

It also plays a role in rebuilding identity. Survivors are more than their trauma. By welcoming laughter back into their lives, survivors can rediscover parts of themselves—playful, hopeful, creative—that may have felt lost.

Finding Your Laughter Again

If you are looking for a fun way to bring some laughter into your life, join us on Thursday, October 30 for our Comedy for a Cause: A Night of Halloween Fun at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley. 

Your ticket gets your access to an evening filled with laughter, costumes, raffles and community kindness—all in support of Harbor House’s deeply important mission to aid domestic and sexual abuse survivors in the Fox Cities.

Stand-up comedians Jackie Kashian and Kristin Lytie will be rousing the crowd with their comedy stylings. Admission includes the comedy show, food and drinks, a costume contest and a 50/50 raffle and more! Tickets are going fast! We have less than 50 tickets still available!