As someone who constantly likes to amuse himself by making funny (even if only to me) remarks - some of which make their way here and get flagged! - it has nothing to do with hiding or coping with sadness. I have zero energy for wise cracking if I'm sad.

This article is just more propaganda by dour, humourless bores, trying to make out that they - who have no gaiety in their lives - are the normal ones, and it's those joking, smiling people that are really suffering.