Physician, Heal Thyself

I have been asked many times why I call myself the Laugh Doctor. What influenced me to become such a strong advocate for the healthy benefits of humor and fun? The other day, as I launched for the umpteenth time into my standard answer, I realized I was only telling half the story. It has certainly been influential to me that, in my work with cancer patients and their families, I have observed that those who can maintain a strong sense of humor usually do better than those who can't - or won't. It is also true that I have been profoundly influenced by what Norman Cousins and Patch Adams have written about humor and healing.

But what I've neglected to confess up until now is that the most powerful factor in my decision to become the Laugh Doctor was one of self-preservation. The truth is my commitment to humor came about after a series of confrontations from several of my cancer patients, each challenging me to "lighten up." These patients were indeed grateful for my work on their behalf, but were concerned that I did not seem to be enjoying myself. They were perceptive enough to realize that if I couldn't get more fun from my work, I would eventually "burn out" and be of little use to them. So, they took the initiative to inform me that I was bringing them down with my seriousness; holding them back, as it were.

I had to admit they were right. I wasn't having any fun. As I look back on it, I had spent the first half of my life not knowing what it meant to have fun. This is not to say I had a bad life. In fact, it was very good.

I came from a loving family, successfully completed medical school, married a beautiful woman and had two wonderful children, and made a more than adequate living practicing medicine. However, nothing I accomplished on the outside changed how I felt on the inside. Deep inside, I was a perfectionist who couldn't be satisfied with himself.

I had learned to be funny, but I didn't know how to have fun. I was experiencing pleasure, but I wasn't celebrating life. I could do good things, but I didn't feel free to enjoy my accomplishments.

I recognized that my patients were doing fine compared to me. They were able to have fun even in the midst of the pain, uncertainty and fear that accompanied their diagnoses. It didn't make sense to me. There was nothing funny about cancer. Yet, they were the ones urging me to "lighten up." I asked them to teach me how - and teach me they did.

Primarily they helped me appreciate the difference between having fun and being funny. I used to think they were the same.

Some of you who are reading these words were among those who helped me early on - you know who you are. Others are my current mentors. To all, I am grateful. You literally saved my life by showing me that fun is fundamental to success in anything, including life itself.

Taking myself less seriously, I am now free to be happier and more effective than ever. No longer am I imprisoned by my perfectionism and fear. Having been given such a gift, I have no choice but to attempt to pass it along to others.

And that, in case you were wondering, is why I am the Laugh Doctor.

Dr. Clifford Kuhn is both a psychiatrist and a comedian. He is professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His book, The Fun Factor: Unleashing the Power of Humor at Home and on the Job , is available in bookstores and on his website. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, he offers entertaining workshops and presentations on humor skills and is available to anyone interested in enhancing performance, productivity and health by creating an atmosphere of fun. Results are guaranteed . Dr. Kuhn may be reached by phone (502-722-8732), e-mail (laffdr@aol.com) or by visiting his website (www.humorbeing.com).