Today's coined word: Literothanatophobia

[dianeduane]

Or, "The fear of death in literature."

A British book retailer plans to set up a counseling hotline for all heartbroken fans of Harry Potter, in case he dies in the much awaited next book.

As a former psychiatric professional, I can kind of see the point.  ...But I do start wondering, sometimes... Are human beings actually less robust, more fragile, than they used to be -- or are we just being encouraged to believe we are? 

And I remember clearly the resilience and fortitude of my younger patients as compared to the so-called "adults". The kids were endlessly more pragmatic and better at handling pain than the grownups. Any bets on the percentage of over-eighteens who wind up being counseled, as opposed to the under-eighteens?...

Comments

[korenwolf.livejournal.com]

Agreed, people are being given so much support there's no reason to develop the thickness of skin and strength of mental muscle needed to survive against whatever comes their way.

We see it with both kids, though we're doing our best to get it through to them that life isn't fair (so please don't use that four letter word in the house) and the best way of getting what you want is to plan and work. Regular beatings also helps >:)

[liasbluestone.livejournal.com]

Ah - a parent after my own heart (but you knew that anyway)