WHAT TO DO ABOUT NERVES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 10, 11 July 1936, Page 27

WHAT TO DO ABOUT NERVES

A great deal has recently been said and written about the increase of ner-voiis-diseases, due to the pressures and excitements of modern life, says the medical ■ correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph." ' :

.There is probably much truth in the assertion that a large proportion of the minor nervous handicaps, hesitances, and fears of adult life are dependent on very early impressions and psychical- experiences.

The bullied or slighted" child may well be responsible for the self-dis-trustful or socially antagonistic man or; by a common reaction of later selfassertion, for the dominating and ruthless one. ■

In other'words, the nervous pattern of the adul^ has largely been laid down in childhood and may be very difficult to alter.

There seems little doubt, too/that many of these childish""fears of the dark or of crowds, for instance, though they may have been overcome in respect of their actual obvious occa-

sions, may yet exact a physical toll of certain people.

The ordeals are faced, that is to say, but at a price that may exhibit itself in the shape of dyspepsia, insomnia, or some other recurring disorder. : It is for this reason that parents, nurses, and teachers, especially in younger classes and preparatory schools, have a peculiar responsibility. The-future poise of the children and the whole calibre and tone of the coming adult community is in their care.

A chance word, a particular threat, a punishment that seems unjust, may suddenly take charge of a child's whole horizon and' never be whollyforgotten; an understanding word or action may forever dispel a cloud that might otherwise have lingered for many years.

Encouragement and a timely explanation or two-at the, right time of life, and at the right "moments may prevent a very considerable amount of the so-called .neuroses, or psychoneuroses, met with in adults.