"Laughter is NOT the best medicine," says comedian | Mimi Hayes | TEDxCherryCreekWomen 

According to Mimi Hayes, laughter is NOT the best medicine. And she should know, she's a standup comedian with a brain injury. What's really behind jokes made at our own expense? And are we allowed to joke about having a catheter when we wake up from brain surgery? Hayes takes us into the mind of a comedian using humor to cope with trauma and the benefits (and consequences) of making light of our darkest days. Mimi Hayes became a standup comedian after having a traumatic brain injury on a blind date. She also wrote "I'll Be OK, It's Just a Hole in My Head," a humorous memoir about her diagnosis and recovery. Hayes adapted the book into a one-woman show, TV pilot, podcast, and frequently makes fun of her trauma on stages around the world. When she's not telling jokes you'll find her at the dog park or in therapy. You can follow her antics at mimihayes.com and on social media. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx