Psychiatric Services

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28261, 26 April 1957, Page 3

Psychiatric Services

Sir,—Perhaps “Paul.” interested in the cure of nervous diseases, admires the earlier work of Jung with reference to the patient’s subconscious desire to be mothered, or even to return to the security of the womb. Jung pointed out that, until a patient had broken free from this desire, he could notv be permanently cured. Hanmer Hospital, by its situation and function, cannot cure, only alleviate. To congregate the nervously disordered emphasises their complaints and can render them chronic. It is known that chronic depression, for instance, is incurable, but that acute depression cures itself by acute action. It would be neurally better to stoke a ship’s furnace than lie down after lunch at Hanmer and have pills for supper.— Yours, etc., A. April 24, 1957.

Sir, —Four years ago I entered Hanmer Hospital, most unwillingly, being painfully aware that Queen Mary Hospital is widely believed to be a refuge for “weaklings.” On arrival, I voiced these feelings to the doctor, who assured me that they take great pains to exclude persons who only need a holiday, and that my doctor would not have sent me there had I not been in need of treatment. I had the treatment, good food, rest and kindness, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. When, after two months, I had not improved, I was told I ‘‘could try shock treatment if I liked.” After three months I was discharged, physically stronger, but with my illness unrelieved, to the slings and arrows of a world full of “Pauls,’’ who regard a Hanmer patient as. at best, a malingerer. I have no wish to return to the acknowledged luxury and comparative idleness.—Yours, etc., PAULINE. April 24, 1957.