View report page

19
How much of this apparent increase is real has never
been reliably estimated. Certainly many of the
psychological disorders we are now plagued with were
rarely seen (or perhaps, recognised) a generation or two
ago and are still quite unknown among primitive
communities today. The more highly civilised (possibly)
and certainly more materially wealthy American States
appear to have an even higher incidence of mental and
emotional instability and psycho somatic illness
(insomnia, ulcers, etc.) than we do. It is tempting to
speculate whether we have, to invert the Scriptural text,
cast out the seven devils of overcrowding, dirt, poverty,
unemployment, malnutrition, physical illness, and neglect,
only to make room for a psychological devil worse than all
the others.
A stable family life founded on actively shared
interests with firm but good natured discipline and the
company of congenial companions of one's own age are
surely the best safeguards against becoming " queer"
and the best soil in which to grow a sound personality
which will stand up to the inevitable nervous strain of
modern life. Unfortunately present social trends in this
age of equal pay do nothing to encourage this. Many
mothers, even of young children, are in full-time work
and come home too tired or too busy to give enough
attention to their children's psychological needs. Too
often the only common focus in family life is the "
" Telly ". As one who has. so far. resisted the lure of
the " goggle box" I regard television as a potentially
dangerous and habit forming drug which should be given
to children in small doses only.
Those members of the teaching staff, of religious
bodies and youth movements who give up their leisure
time to organise extra mural activities where children
can learn to work and play together and develop a sense
of social adjustment are making a splended contribution
to the cause of Mental Health but I feel that if the
problem is to be tackled realistically a conscious and
sustained effort is required from all who are concerned
with the health and welfare of children.