Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-09-10

as we'll as the rich. The results
of the great war have left an
almost endless chain of war neu-
rotics. Active service on the fir
ing line under the terrific noise
and the terror of heavy artillery
barrage has left its number of vic
Tins. Business men working
under the financial strain during
the last few years of postwar
adjustment are adding their
quota. The yearly epidemic OF
influenza has sent its thousands
to the temporary discard.
The main causes of neuras-
thenia may be classed as heredi-
tary or acquired. Osler has
wisely said, we do not all start
in life with the same amount OF
nerve capital. Parents who have
led irrational lives indulging in
excuses of various kinds, or who
have been subjects of nervous
complaints, may transmit to their
children nerve organization
that is defective"
Such individuals start handi-
capped with a neurasthenic pre-
disposition and furnish a largo
number of patients. Their po-
tential energies have been squand-
cred by their ancestors. So long
as these individuals are content
to do a moderate business with
their depleted nerve capital, all
may go well, but there is no re-
serve, and in the exigencies of
modern life these small capital
OF en rtn1hr nj n
bankrupt of nerve force.
Many acquire neurasthenia
through the cares and anXieties
attendant upon the gaining of a
livelihood. and may be born
without distress but again, in
many, the strain becomes excess
sive and is soon manifested as
worry. This individual soon loses
the distinction between essentials
and essentials, trifles cause
annoyance, and the patient reacts
with unnecessary readiness to
slight stimulation and is in u
constant state of irritable weak
ness.
The symptoms of neurasthenia
are entirely too numerous to at
tempt to describe, but a majority
of them are known as phobias
or fears. The anxiety form or
worry and fear of some impend-
ing trouble. The dread of people
and society. the dread of coming
unto open spaces; the dread of
being left alone; the fear of dis
ease; various pains and aches
shifting from one part of the
body to another, never severe or
remaining in one spot long;
WEAKNESS on exertion; slight dis
turbances of the vision; alternat-
ing heat and GOODNESS of the skin:
vague back aches and numbness
are constant complaints of the
neurasthenic.
Worry is becoming a national
weakness, we all give in to mere
trifles, these days. The old home
life is rapidly disappearing
people are too restless to enjoy
the relaxation of the family cir
Gle. We build and plan a home
and before we have comfortGb bly,
moved in, we are arranging to
sell 1t and move on to another;
there seems to be a feverish dis
content among all classes. an
unsatisfiable desire for something
new or different.
The one great remedy for all
kinds of worry is the practice of
regular daily periods of reiaxa-
tlon. 1t will not suffice for one
TO work like a steam engine all
year and take two weeks vaca-
ton in the summer, and imagine
that he is resting a faded ner-
vous system for another years
grind. Rest and relaxation must
be made daily habit If we ex.
pect to reiuvenate tired nerves
and ward off neurasthenia.
The greatest factor in securing
relaxation is home life. Comfort
able rooms, pleasant surround
ings, the easy chair and content
ed associates, soon wipe out all
recollections of the worry and
anxiety of the days work. There
would be no necessity for any