Neurosis

NEUROSIS

Cl. Mario D’Couto SDB

            The title of this article comes from a section of Louise Hageman’s book, “In the midst of winter.” The word ‘neurosis’ refers to the natural impulses present in one’s personality. It could also refer to the sub – conscious state of a person.

            Keeping this in mind, the focus of the article is to show how our neurosis naturally reacts to difficult or stressful situations. These can be classified into 3 types,  

a)     Expansive solution or domination

In this type, a person deals with stressful situations by asserting himself or herself out rightly. Over here, the norm of ‘might is right’ holds prime importance. To back out is a sign of weakness and so proving oneself to be in control of a situation is done at all costs, whatever it may be.

b)     Self – effacing solution: the appeal of love and dependency

In this type, a person expresses or deals with stressful situations by being overly dependent on someone or something. He is like the underdog who is overshadowed by the presence of someone else. For such a person, being sub – ordinate to someone is no big deal. To play ‘second fiddle’ is but natural to him because for such a person that becomes his comfort zone.

c)      Resignation

In this type, when a person undergoes or encounters any stressful situations, he or she closes – in upon himself or herself. This is like the typical type of ‘introvert’ personality. Such a person is too afraid to launch into the deep.

            Now going through these 3 ways by which our neurosis reacts to stressful situations, either way, none of it is beneficial, that is to say, it only hampers one’s growth; it does not do any good. I remember somewhere I had read that life is not like a mechanical problem which has a ready – made solution. It is a mystery to be lived. There are many things in life we may not understand but that does not serve as an excuse to be lethargic or to be half – hearted. We learn to deal with life’s situations from the mistakes we make. How true, therefore, is that famous proverb which goes, “Failure is a stepping stone to success.” Failure is only a delay of success, it is not defeat.


            We are our own creators or destroyers; success and defeat lies in our hands. However, this does not mean that we are masters of ourselves. While it is true that to some extent that such is the case, we should not forget that there is a God who made us and He wants us to be happy. God has blessed us with these impulses to use it in the proper way and therefore, when harnessed or channelized well, we can truly make our lives a gift back to our Maker.

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