Having a good sense of humor is a necessary part of life, but could it be hurting your health? Previous research found that self-deprecating humor was associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Self-defeating humor was viewed as an unhealthy way of coping with negative emotions. However, some studies show that having a playful, humorous outlook on life is beneficial and can improve your mental health. The new scientific consensus is that it depends on how frequently you use self-deprecating humor and your baseline self-esteem. Self-deprecating humor can be a useful tool, but if it is your only form of humor, it may be a problem. Ultimately, laughing at yourself has more benefits than drawbacks and can help you to remain positive.