Milford chronicle., 1953-12-04
THE PROBLEM OF MENTAL ILLNESS

THE PROBLEM OF MENTAL ILLNESS
The problem of mental illness has be-
come very difficult and important one in
tOdays incredibly complex world. 1t has
brought tragedy to great numbers of indi-
VldualS and families-and, in addition, it
entails a tremendous economical waste.
An important discussion of the subject
was recently given by DR.. William C. Menn-
niger, one Of the worlds most foremost psy-
chlatriSts in a speech at the annual meeting
OF the National Association of Food Chains.
DR.. Menninger held that "those of us with
a sense of social responsibility must accept
the job OF helping those around us find more
satisfaction in their work, in their personal
relationships, in their opportunities" 1t is
often possible, he pointed out to detect NAL
adjustments liz their early stages and take
helpful action before serious mental sick
ness sets in.
He cited several typical examples of how
mental traits and troubles can seriously
damage business no less than the individ-
ual. In one case a $4,000 a year execu-
tive cracked, and his conduct ieOpardized
both his own reputation and that of the
standing and business of the company he
represented. In another the head of a big
manufacturing company became mentally
dlsOrganized from worry, took to drinking
excessively, and while in this state did great
harm to the business and the other people
connected with it. different kind of prob
lem was presented by man who had done
well IN managing store and been pro-
NOTED to more important position as
result: lie worked extremely hard, yet ac-
compllShed less and less. In this instance,
DR.. Menninger said, "The mans feeling of
lnadequdcy and insecurity and tenseneSs re-
suited In failure because emOtiOnallv he
couldn't accept this greater responsibility"
Moreover, it is now recognized that manv
physical ills are mental in their origin. Ac-
cordlng to Dr. Menninger, physical pain
caused by psychological conflict is respon-
slDle for sending approximately SO per cent
OF all patients to all DOCTORS" MANY cases
OF stomach and heart trouble stem from
emotional tangleS. Accident prone" peOple
and the chronic makers of mistakes are Of
ten victims OF personality Quirks. And men
tai difficulties account for the socially NAL
adjusted grOup-the men and women who
just can't get along with their associates
Or. Mennlnger cited surveys Indicating that
~ per cent OF all diSmissals are the result
OF social incompetence, as against only 30
per cent from technical incompetence. That
proportion could be drasticaliy changed if
qualified, intelligent help were given in time.
1t is impossible to do Justice to DR.
jMenninger's speech in d brief summary. But
his big point is in this sentence: 81 am per
Sonally convinced that mental hygiene elm
les IN businesses and industrial plants would
pay big dividends-in dollars and in human
h8ppiness-as they did in the mental hv-
glene units of the basic training CAMPS
throughout World War H." In this connec-
ton, he added cautiOn-such clinics. if
they are to do a frst-class job of emotional
aid, must be stated by the best qualified
men available
DR.. Menninger ended by saying. mental
health, in one sense is synonymous with
happiness, personal and family security. and
success IN the many varied activities of liv-
ing. The cultivation of good human reIa-
tions can and does produce first, an in
crease in the satisfaction to EMPLOYEES and
customers, which is an extremely important
responsibility of any business. Second. good
human relations will pay off in cold dollars
and cents to management. Finally. were we
able to apply some of these simple principles
effectively many more people would have a
chance-nOt only to make a living-but also
to make life.'