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

[xnamkrad.livejournal.com]

Are human beings actually less robust, more fragile, than they used to be -- or are we just being encouraged to believe we are?
The latter I fear. I do agree that if someone does need counseling after a trauma, then they should have it. On the other hand, in todays world if you dont need counseling after a trauma, there must be something wrong with you. Not that I could Potter being killed to be a major trauma.
I recall something my eldest brother told me about when he was in the Irish Naval Service in the late 50s (like I said, eldest). They had to go on a recovery mission following a plane crash in the Atlantic. By the time they got there, the bodies had been in the water for several days. so you can imagine the condition they were in. The ship returned to Galway, the bodies were unloaded, the crew went to the bars, and they sailed out the next day. And there were no PTSM noted.
Sorry - that pressed a button for me.