Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-05-01
Nervous Depression.

Strange details OF nervous Impressions could
lie given by sufferers and those who have re-
ctiSed their condolences. a lady assured us
that she at one time used constantly to hurry
past high wall or building, lest 1t should fail
apon her. Another, that she would stand
trembling With her hand upon her SchOol-room
Goor, SummOning all her resolution TO sustain
her in the effort TO go in TO give her pupils their
ordinary lessons. And the prospect OF journey,
even though short, has been NEST formidable,
indeed terrible, to persons in this condition.
approximations OF all kinds are common symp-
TOMS, from groundlesS alarms OF robbers IN
the night TO 1orebodingS OF every possible dis
aster TO body or mind. And these are some
times accompanied by sensations or affections
which are merely physical, such as giddneSs
nausea, trembling, or palpitatiOn. The victims
constantly complain that life is a burden. Now,
the first thing for nervous sufferers to do is to
accept two facts-first that their complaint is
durable, and second, that the Chief part OF the
cure rests with themselves. IL they .giye way"
and give up they may go from bad 10 worse
III they Will strive reSOlutely and take proper
meals. they may live TO smile at their past
troubles. First OF all, there Is very often an
undue strain upon the system. which ought
10 be hghtened. We speak now of workers
and especially OF brain-workers. The human
machine Is Ike clock; 1t requires weights to
keep 1t going. But in these days the weights
are often TOO large and heavy, and strain the
machinery. In cases OF nervous depression,
they may need TO be reduced by perhaps tour
or short trip, according TO circumstances: a
Sea breeze, a blow OF mountain-air Gimp ;e at
the Rhine and Switzerland, and back again to
AOuCialC NOih- IL tuc UCCupdtlOu followed DC
unhealthy or too exciting, change Of pursuit
may be imperative. But TO release the sufferer
from all duties would be a cruel kindness;
fdienesS Is very hotbed for morbid growtbS
or every kind. Residence, too, Is a point not
TO be lost sight OF; loH-lying, damp locality
Is, OF course, unfavorable. So Is one with
very gloomy surroundings or associations
The spring Is often a trying season to those
who are not strong, and especially to sufferers
from nervous depression; they find their
painful sensations strangely aggravated
sometimes ready to conclude the worst. IL is
well for them al such times TO remember the
old saw, Frightened Is half killed" and TO
reaSSure themselves by the simple fact that
Trey are but feeling acutely what others also
feel, though In lesser degree. An unhealthy
or too sedentary occupation contributes TO ner-
vOuS depression; and II it cannot be ex-
relieved as far as possible. There is constantly
indeed usually, some weakness of digestion, re-
qutrlng care IN the Diet, for dyspepsia is often
almost the sole origin II not the whole OF the
complaint The use OF a suitable tonic is gen.
orally desirable; often very simple one Is
Freferable-QuiDine and iron, or some such
mild aids 10 appetite and assimilation. Some
medical men prefer pepsine and similar prepa-
ratiOnS; others use Strychnia, phosphorus. Ziuc.
me- icine is used, let it be prescribed by quail
fltd practitioner, and the ableSt you know
Above all, no QuackS. Fresh air, cold water
and plenty OF exercise, Will do the neryOuSlV
Oppressed more good than phySic. The exer-
else, however, should not be violent; and the
oOld-water treatment should be moderate and
rational; plungeS and other shocks are most uil-
desirable. SpOnGing and brisk washing and
rubbing are In every way helpful.-C!tdHbe1''s
Ion ~ N