AN AILMENT Or THE AGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3382, 11 July 1927, Page 2

AN AILMENT Or THE AGE.

By Dr C. Stanford Read.)

In this article the well-known psychologist discusses one of the most common of present-day ailments, the “nervous breakdown,” on which subject he throws new light.

A nervous breakdown has," as a. matter of fact, nothing to do with the nerves. If we could examine our nerves minutely, when we are suffering from a breakdown, we should find nothing wrong with them. Why, then, do people speak of this form of illness as “nervous”? In ordinary conversation a. “good nerve” conveys the idea of boldness, and a “poor nerve” suggests timidity. It has therefore become usual to speak of certain conditions of fear as though they arose from some defect in the nervous structure of the body. Really, a “nervous breakdown” is a “mental breakdown.” • v We hate to feel that we are not masters of our ideas and emotions, though none of us really is; and so, partly through ignorance and partly not to hurt people’s feelings, the slighter forms of mental troubles are called “nervous.” Perhaps this would not matter —although seeing things in then true light is always best—if it did not usually involve attacking the condition in the wrong way. The person suffering from a so-called nervous breakdown is told that he is “run down,” that he is overworked, wants a, rest and cliange, and, of course, that he needs a nerve, tonic. Now, it is true that building up a body that is below par is always helpful, but overwork in itself never causes these breakdowns, a change only means an endeavor to get away from oneself—an impossible feat —and tonics are useless expedients. When we are suffering from any physical disease, the doctor examines the various parts of the body to discover where the seats of tne trouble lies, and treats it accordingly. In the same way. if the illness be mental, the mind must bo searched before the machinery can be adjusted to work properly. The first difficulty met with is that the patient usually repudiates the idea that his mind requires any investigation, and prefers to seek relief in those measures which take .or granted that there is some bodily cause to be put right. Thus, apart rrom the means we have already spoken of, removal of teeth, changes of diet, the eradication of some supposed poison circulating in the blood, massage, and electricity are aihong the many methods of attempting a cure which can only residt in disappointment. If we explore the mind of the patient we are then in a position to understand why lie is sleeping badly, is unable to concentrate his mind, Jacks interest in his ordinary pursuits, is so self-centred and filled with vague and indefinable rears. Then, when the mental forces that are at warfare are brought to light they can arbitrate instead of light, and sign a truce. The fundamental cause of nervous breakdown is created m early life, and various forms of mental stress will provoke its onset. The factor of responsibility, betrothal, marriage, the loss of those who are near and dear are common excitants.

As civilisation progresses, there seems to arise an ever-widening chasm between our inborn desires and their possible fulfilment. Conflict is at the root of life. It cannot be avoided, but must bo handled in the right way. Those who through their years of childhood do not attain qualities of selfreliance and a capacity for a future independent spirit, find it hard to face the battles of life, and in the resulting mental struggles they fall by the wayside. and develop a “nervous breakdown.”