The Lighter Side of: Sarcastic Humour

It is fairly clear that sarcastic humour can be a real asset. It can also become cutting to a point of no return.
Sarcasm can be used to talk about serious subjects in a more light-hearted manner. It can also be used as 'back-handed compliments', as full-on insults that don't seem as awful as they really are until the moment for a retort has passed by, and it can be the first line of defense for any uncomfortable topic.

The downside of using sarcasm and humour as a way to handle illness, however, can create a bit of a conundrum.
If we brush off our illness and our symptoms, making light of it, making fun of it, it can undermine the severity of the situation. When we see someone who is laughing or telling jokes, the common assumption is that they cannot be in that much pain because they are still making jokes about it. The problem with that theory is multi-faceted and is broached in another blog post.
By portraying this level of strength and stubbornness, it can often appear as though that person really is not struggling at all. Exuding strength and an unshakeable sense of humour is a wonderful talent and trait, but it can also backfire, badly - because if you're not taking your own illness seriously, why should anyone else?
Of course, I don't agree with that last statement. There is a difference between using sarcastic humour as a coping mechanism and actually being flippant about an illness. I may make jokes, but that does not make the symptoms any less terrible, it simply helps my perception and my mood.

The Lighter Side of sarcastic humour is that it is a powerful coping strategy. The stronger we make ourselves appear, the more we want to fulfill that image. Plus, in your worst moments, sometimes the only positive thing that can be done is to laugh about the situation. If used for good, and not passive-aggressive, back-handed compliments, sarcastic humour can conquer any tough situation, nearly any uncomfortable topic, and it can lighten the mood - even when the mood is incredibly dark.
And do not let anyone dismiss the seriousness of your illness because you smile each day or work hard to maintain a good attitude towards your health. Outward appearance means diddly-squat when it comes to internal pain, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and a variety of psychological and physiological symptoms. A sense of humour will help you get through it.