The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1894-11-16
The Hygiene OF Sorrow.

In receut issue of New York
newspaper an article by DR.. Louise
Fiske Brysou formulates some distinctly
modern views upon tho effects of grief.
The attempt to act as if nothing had
happened after tho advent Of some
misfortune, and to conduct life exactly
as before, is one Of the greatest possible
mist axes. 1t is an outrage on nature,
whic h she resents sharply in the end.
Pay day comcs sooner or later; aud
the overthrow caused by binding
catastrophe arrives, even if deferred.
The nervous system requires complete
rest after blows caused by sorrow.
Recent medical observations (Ferc,
Bassi, Schulz, Henker) show that, the
physical results of depressing emotions
are similar to those caused by
bodily accidents, fatigue, chill, partial
starvation, aud loss of blood. Birds,
moles, and dogs which apparently died
in consequence Of capture, and from
conditions that correspond in human
beings to acute nostalgia and "broken
heart" we're examined after death as
to the condition of their internal organs.
Nutii ition of the tissues had been
interiered with, and the substance proper
of various vital organs had undergone
the same kind of degeneration as that
brought about by phosphorus or the
germs of infectious disease. The poison
of grief is more than name. To urge
work, study, travel, the vain search
for amusement, is both useless and
dangerous. For timo the whole
organism is ovcrthrown, aud temporary
seclusion is imperative for proper
readjustment. After some bereavement
the custom of wearing mourning bas a
distinct moral value. But its period Of
use must be brief: a few weeks, months,
perhaps year; otherwise deuse black
drapcries become burden, an aesthetic
blunder. and source Of depression
in themselves For time they
have place, securing consideration
from strangers and silence from mere
acquaintance, since sorrow is one of the
touches Of nature that makes the whole
world kit.
Where there is ncarnesS Of relationship
to nature, rambles 10 the open air, lays
alone with the sea, alone in the forest,
console as nothing else can. Quiet,
silent drives, or even short journeys by
rail, will reveal new heaven and new
earth to one fatisued and worn by
sorrow. Music, when il can be borne,
has soothing power beyond words.
Books, too, have their place, those gentle
companions without speech whose calm
society helps anuihiatc time and space,
and who always receive us with the same
kindness. The familiar faces OF
newspapers aud journals bring stray
comfort that even the tendercst heart is
powerlcss to bestow. The care and
companionship of children is another
source Of strength. Children are not
watching to see how the afflicted arc
bearing up under sorrow, nor are they
ere 'aiting for some expression of sentiment
ned the overthrow of self-control. A
Slid is always the best comfortsr
ESsteriug no word of sympathy, ye
interest in life because its n n. -."-'
uflci v.sa.Vs'DC iSuv,eu, ueI,uar car
it be cheered up, 1t must be accepted
aud allowed to wear itself away
Readjustment comes slowly. Sorrow
grief, and all great misfortuues should
be regarded as conditions similar t.
acute infectious diseases, which the,
resemble In result; and later, a.
convalescencc from such diseases
SSecluslon, rest, sleep, appropriate food
fresh air, sunshine, interests that ia,
neither mind nor body, these arr
requirements in this class of illness
The care Of the condition following
depressing emotion calls for the sam,
treatment in greater or less degree
Mc,itcat Record.