THE PROBLEM OF FEAR AND ANXIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21384, 11 July 1931, Page 9

THE PROBLEM OF FEAR AND ANXIETY

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —In a recent Saturday’s issue of the Daily Times I cajne across an article under the above caption by Dr Stuart Moore. Expecting something good on the psychology of fear or how to dispel fear* I read the article carefully. I am not yet sure what I shall gain by the reading: a refresher course ini etymology may be necessary as a first stop. One would like to have the writer's definition of fear and anxiety; he seems to use the words antithetically. I was much struck by this statement in the article: —“We enjoy our fears and anxiety in business.” In the past few days I have met several retail business men and liste&ed to their tales of mental suffering on account of financial difficulties—days of fqar and consequent loss of power of concentration on tbeir business; and when night comes they go through something like Job's experience " When I say, my bed! shall comfort me. then thou scarest me with dreams and terrifiest me through visions.” Yet accord ing to Dr Moore, tbaae men should be having a hilarious time in this strenuous period. Dr Moore also says:* —“Fear can, drive out fear.” And is there no remainder? What becomes of the fiear that drives out fear? Does it “stay put” with seven other devils to keep it oompany? Again:— “The fear that destroys us is the fear of a fear or of anxiety* Once a man it

afraid of anxiety he is done for.” I recall a public speaker who. when finished With one heading of his subject, and turning to his notes for his next point, would say, “ And where are we now? ” And that is my query on reading of this “fear of a fear," Why these verbal gmynastics? What contribution do they moke towards solving the “ problem of fear ” or aiding sorely-tried men and women to overcome fear’s insidious attacks?—l am, etc., Dunedin, July 9. Faith.