9 February 2009
A small but select
audience heard Dr. Niall Campbell of the Priory Clinic give an
interesting talk, which gave us an insight into the causes of stress.
The usually insidious onset of stress means that it is not countered until serious symptoms present themselves. Among
the causes at work, for instance, are the long hours now expected with
the concomitant heavy workload, alteration of one’s job description,
and changes in the organisation over which one has no control and the
reasons for which are not immediately apparent, {as is often the case
in the NHS.}
All these lead to feelings of insecurity. Stress may also be brought about by boredom, repetitive work, harassment, over-supervision and little prospect of promotion. This usually shows in poor relations with one’s superiors and colleagues.
Many of the above conditions were aptly illustrated with the use of paintings by Caravaggio, Reni, Hals and others.
The symptoms brought
on by the accumulated stress impinge on one’s health in a variety of
ways. They can manifest themselves as Muskuskeletal or Cardiac problems
as well as Diabetes. Mental anxiety also presents as palpitations, sweating, head- and stomach-aches and panic attacks which feel like heart attacks. Depression, tearfulness, negative thoughts and lack of sleep may ensue, all of which could affect marital relationships.
As for the cure, Dr.
Campbell posited four substances to which many people resort, Sauvignon
Blanc, Bensons, ‘Bob Hope’ and Charlie. A
much better method would be to isolate the causes, deal with them if
possible by standing back and trying to understand the problem,
delegating, and learning to say “NO”; on no account should one hand in
one’s resignation while in a fragile state. Eating properly with family
and friends and not grazing is vital. If
one still cannot resolve the situation then one should resort to
counsellors, therapists or psychiatrists who may be accessed through
one’s GP.
We thanked our speaker and presented him with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
Hans Danziger